Toy for collecting and dispersing toy vehicles

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a toy, comprising of rotating means for collecting and dispersing an item and power means coupled to said rotating means, said power means powering said rotating means at a first speed in a first direction to collect said toy, and powering said rotating means at a second speed in a second direction to disperse said toy, said first speed different from said second speed, and said first direction different from said second direction.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to methods, systems andapparatus for features of an inter-related toy item.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Toys which interact with other toys are popular items. For example, toysmay be provided which are configured to couple to other toys, transformother toys, gather or collect toys, etc.

One example toy vehicle that has the function of sweeping up smaller toyvehicles is the Galoob MICRO MUNCHER. This sweeper vehicle has a handlethat controls a single rotating foam cylinder to either collect, ordisperse, smaller toy vehicles depending on the direction of engagement.In this sweeper vehicle, the foam cylinder is rotated by an electric,battery powered motor, to drive the cylinder at approximately the samespeed in both directions. The approximate scale of the smaller toyvehicles that are made for use with this sweeper vehicle are on theorder of approximately 1:120.

The inventors herein have recognized several disadvantages with theabove toy sweeper vehicle. As one example, the collection functionalitymay become degraded when adapted for larger scale vehicles, such as 1/64scale vehicles. For example, it may be difficult to collect and/ordisperse larger vehicles with the above design, since weight and volumedo not scale equally. As another example, the foam cylinder tends todegrade quickly due to the single cylinder structure combined with lowdurability of foam when contacting (collecting or dispersing) jagged,hard metal and/or plastic vehicles. Moreover, the above toy sweepervehicle does not interface to or operate with a track set, therebylimiting the amount of play available.

The inventors herein have also recognized that when using the abovesweeper vehicle for collecting larger vehicles, the cylinder rotationalspeed that may work for collecting vehicles may be too slow toeffectively disperse vehicles. Alternatively, the speed that is fastenough to effectively disperse vehicles may overload the motor whentrying to collect vehicles.

One approach to address at least some of the above issues provides atoy, comprising rotating means for collecting and dispersing an item;and power means coupled to said rotating means, said power meanspowering said rotating means at a first speed in a first direction tocollect said toy, and powering said rotating means at a second speed ina second direction to disperse said toy, said first speed different fromsaid second speed, and said first direction different from said seconddirection. As such, the inventors have recognized that power means, suchas electric motors, may have different torque outputs at differentspeeds, and thus by using a different speed for collecting than fordispersing, it may be possible to extend operation to different scalevehicles.

Another approach provides a toy vehicle, comprising: a cylinderconfigured to rotate about its circular axis, said cylinder configuredso that when said toy is placed in a first position, said circular axisof said cylinder is substantially parallel to a surface on which the toyvehicle can travel, said cylinder having a plurality of cylindricalextensions extending from said cylinder. As such, the inventors havealso recognized that for vehicles larger than approximately 1:120 scale,for example, a wheel comprising more than one extensions may provideimproved collection and dispersion results, as well as improveddurability.

Still other alternative approaches are described herein which mayachieve alternative effects or advantages than those described above.For example, a toy that collects and disperses items that can couplewith or interface with a track may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example toy vehicle;

FIG. 2 shows an example wheel and shaft assembly;

FIG. 3 shows an example wheel;

FIG. 4 shows an example part of the wheel of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A-B show example toy vehicle bodies, chassis, and othercomponents;

FIG. 6A-K shows an alternative example wheel;

FIG. 7A-D shows alternative embodiment example wheels;

FIG. 8 shows an example method of manufacturing wheels;

FIG. 9 shows an example method of manufacturing and painting a plasticitem;

FIGS. 10A-D show example packaging for a toy vehicle and card(s);

FIG. 11 shows various example cards and related aspects for a card game,as well as instructions;

FIG. 12 shows an alternative card that may be include in the package ofFIG. 10;

FIGS. 13 and 13B show example carrier items;

FIGS. 14A and 14B shows a front section of a carrier vehicle with afirst example device for collecting and/or dispersing items;

FIG. 14A shows additional details of an alternative paddle wheel thatmay be used in a carrier;

FIG. 14B shows additional details of a paddle wheel that may be used ina carrier;

FIG. 15 shows a front section of a carrier vehicle with a second exampledevice for collecting and/or dispersing items;

FIG. 15A shows an alternate embodiment of a collection device;

FIG. 16 shows additional example features of a carrier;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a range of steps associated with anexample system for playing an online game.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example game page for the game of FIG.17.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing example steps of a race for the game ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a graphical representation of an example game page for thegame of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a graphical representation of an example activity for thegame of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is another graphical representation of the example activity ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is another graphical representation of the example activity ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is another graphical representation of the example activity ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is another graphical representation of the example activity ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is another graphical representation of the example activity ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is an example pop through logo.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A set of interrelated items, such as toys, toy vehicles, track sets,electronic games, interactive websites, cartoons, card games, and moreare described individually below, along with examples of how the itemsmay interact or interrelate to each other. In one example, a commontheme may be used that ties these various products together, such as aracing theme. Such a theme may enhance the experience of theinterrelated items. Any suitable theme may be applied to such items,including, but not limited to dinosaur themes, movie, television,racing, book or character-based themes, etc. Note that while individualitems, systems, or methods may be described, the present disclosureincludes any combination of the various items, systems, or methods.

For exemplary purposes, an example scale vehicle, which may be a modeland/or toy vehicle, and associated parts and manufacturing processes aredescribed with regard to FIGS. 1-9. The model vehicle may be a toyvehicle which may have various features. The features may enhance theplayability with the vehicle, may interrelate with other items, or mayprovide linkage and/or access to games and the like. For example, themodel vehicle may include features, such as transparent or translucentregions, more exciting looking wheels, improved body construction andperformance, laser etched codes, or combinations thereof. Further, thetoy vehicle may be shaped or include markings, components or otherindicia, which identify the vehicle as part of a family or team ofvehicles. Also, various features of the present disclosure areapplicable to products other than toys, and other than vehicles. Forexample, as described below, laser etched codes may be used on dolls,action figures, game pieces, or other toys or toy components.

FIGS. 1-7, 10, and 13-16 are drawn approximately to scale, althoughdifferent figures may have different scales. Alternatively, the relativesize, shape, and/or dimensions may be modified.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1A, it shows a model vehicle 100,which in one example, may be a 1/64 scale toy vehicle. However, variousother scales may be used, such as 1/10, 1/50, 1/100, 1/120, 1/200, andtherebetween. The model vehicle can be a collectible item, and/or may bea performance vehicle that can be configured to be used on associatedtracks and/or other equipment. While FIG. 1A shows an example toy truck,the vehicle may be of various types, such as a car, a sports car, astation wagon, a sport utility vehicle, a dune buggy, a motorcycle, aunicycle, an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, a sled, a snowmobile, a jet-ski,a boat, a hovercraft, earthmoving equipment, bicycles, tricycles, arocket, a spaceship, fantasy vehicles, or any other suitable vehicles.

Toy vehicle 100 is shown in FIG. 1A having front wheels 110 and rearwheels 120. While two sets of wheels (with two wheels each) are shownfor an example toy car, the toy vehicle may have more or less wheels,which may or may not be in sets. Further, the sets may have more thantwo wheels, such as, for example, three, four, etc. For example, the toyvehicle may be a motorcycle with a front wheel and a rear wheel.Alternatively, it may be a vehicle having three sets of two wheels. Thevehicle may be a remotely-controlled (RC) vehicle that includes a powersource to drive one or more wheels of the vehicle, or any other methodof propulsion. In such an example, a separate controller may be providedto be operated by the user (either wired or wireless) to controldirection of travel, speed of travel, and/or other aspects of thevehicle, or combinations thereof.

As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, it may bedesirable to utilize “see-through” aspects, such as translucent ortransparent wheels for toy vehicles. Various alternative embodimentsdescribing see-through wheels are included. For example, one or more ofthe front and/or rear wheels may have certain translucent or transparentaspects. Translucent or transparent aspects may be in only front wheels,or in only back wheels, or in only one side of the vehicle, or in onlyouter wheels of sets having more than two wheels. Further, translucentor transparent aspects may be in only portions of the wheels, such asdescribed in more detail below. Further still, different wheels may havedifferent translucent or transparent aspects, such as described in moredetail below.

Note that wheel, as used herein, may include any substantiallycylindrical or spherical device, including discs, rings, rollers, etc.configured to roll or rotate along a surface, or devices that appear tohave such structure or function.

In some embodiments, a wheel with at least two parts, portions, orsections, may be used which can provide the see-through aspects, yetstill enable efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. In anotherexample, a co-molding process may be used to manufacture the wheel andobtain a desired translucent or transparent look and function, whilestill providing acceptable performance and manufacturability. Stillother approaches as described herein may be used.

While FIG. 1A shows vehicle 100 concealing at least a portion of wheels110 (or 120), in an alternative embodiment all of wheels 110 (or 120)may be visible.

FIG. 1B shows a bottom view of vehicle 100 and the front and rear wheels110 and 120. FIG. 1B also shows how the wheel and shaft assembly (seeFIG. 2) is coupled to vehicle 100.

FIG. 1C shows an alternative side and bottom view of an alternativevehicle 100 a having wheels 110 and 120. In this example, a code block130 is included on the bottom of the vehicle chassis 140. A code 150 maybe included within code block 130. Although shown as a defined codeblock, in some embodiments, the code may appear without a defined codeblock, or may be distributed about various portions of the vehicle orchassis.

Any suitable code, symbols, image or message may be used for code 150.In one example, a six-digit code 150 (represented by six Xs) is usedhaving a first portion of three digits and a second portion of threedigits. Although shown as having six digits, any number of digits may beused and be within the scope of the disclosure. Further, the code caninclude alphanumeric digits, in upper and/or lower case, binary numbers,as well as other symbols, such as, for example, <, >, /, +, −, ˆ, #,and/or | or fantastical, whimsical or imaginative symbols, pictures,images, etc. In one example, symbols found on keyboards may be used.

Code 150 may be linked with an inter-related item. For example, code 150may be used to provide access to or be used with a game, an electronicgame, a card game, a board game, a web-based or Internet game or site, aprize, a lottery, a DVD, a CD-ROM, etc. Thus, in some embodiments, auser may reproduce the code into an electronic interface device, such asa computer or gaming device. Reproduction of the code may result in acomputer output based on the code or based on a plurality of codes. Insome embodiments, the computer output may include theme-based contentwhich is dependent on the entered code or codes. For example, such codesmay provide a user with access privileges to special sites, boards orlevels, access to various powers or skill sets, access to previouslyunavailable information, access to new characters, access to historicalor other factual information related to the vehicle from which the codewas entered, etc. For example, the codes may be bonus content codes orgame codes. The bonus codes may unlock bonus content, such as vehiclespecific or item specific downloadable content or backgroundinformation. As another example, such codes may result in contentrelated to the toy vehicle or inter-related item upon which the code wasprovided, or enable electronic racing or gaming with the vehicle uponwhich the code was provided.

In one embodiment, the code may unlock one or more features that give avehicle a personality. For example, the code may enable a vehicle'spersonality to come to life during a computer or gaming experience. Or,different codes may give a vehicle (or group of vehicles) differentpersonalities, and/or unlock further aspects of a vehicle's personalityand/or change a vehicle's personality, permanently or temporarily. Stillfurther, codes may enable access to track layout designs, special trackfeatures so that more exciting tracks may be desired, or other trackfeatures. Further still, codes may enable the ability to design computertracks that can be used in computer and/or an online racing games.

In some situations, a user may select a vehicle or a set of vehicles toobtain access to specific codes. A user may be desirous of obtaining thecodes in order to access games, sites, powers, characters, etc. Thecodes may enhance the play experience for the user. Additionally, suchcodes may enhance the collectibility function of the vehicles.

While FIG. 1C shows a laser etched code applied to a vehicle, such acode may be applied to numerous products, such as toys, dolls, scalevehicles, or combinations thereof. Moreover, codes may be promoted onmovies, cartoons, websites, media releases, emails, packages, etc. Asdiscussed above, such a code may enable access to various featuresthrough the Internet, computers, networked computers, DVD, games, etc.

By applying or locating a human-readable code on a collectible item,various issues may be addressed. For example, the code may be lesslikely to be lost, or traded separately from the item, and additionalpacking requirements (that might otherwise be used to supply the code)may be reduced. Further, in the example where a laser etching process isused to form the code on the item, a large variety of codes may be used,if desired. Further, the codes may be constantly changing, perhaps evendifferent codes on every single item produced, in some examples.

In one embodiment, to provide increased flexibility, an approach thatuses laser etching to add codes to collectible items, such as vehicles,may be used. Since the laser can be reprogrammed as often as necessary,changes to the mold are no longer required to change codes on a givenproduct. Further, more automated manufacturing can be used sincecomputer generated codes can be used and fed to the laser etchingmachine during the manufacturing process, thereby avoiding slow, timeconsuming, manual labor to change codes. Further still, such an approachmay be extremely cost effective, and may be applied to a variety ofdifferent materials. It also can produce codes that are more difficultto counterfeit, thereby providing more security in the collection.Moreover, the code may be more durable, and less likely to rub off orbecome unreadable (which degrade long term collectible value of carswith certain highly valued codes in the trading market). The laseretching process may also be advantageous at it may be used on a varietyof surfaces, so that different items in a series (with differentmaterials) may have similarly formed codes, or the code may be moved todifferent locations on an item with different parts formed of differentmaterials.

In one example, code may be applied to a bottom of a chassis of a scalevehicle (such as a toy vehicle), although it may be applied in variousother locations, such as the side, top, on the wheels, in the wheels, orinside the vehicle.

As noted above, the code may be laser etched onto plastic and/or metalcomponents, such as a chassis of a toy vehicle. Various types of lasersmay be used, including commercially available laser cutting machines. Inanother example, the code may be applied to a painted metal surface. Ina case where the metal is painted a dark color (such as black), thelaser etching may produce a light color (such a silver or white) code.Further, in one example, the laser etching can produce a code that issubstantially smooth with the surface of the material when felt by ahuman.

The thickness of the laser etched code may be on the order of less than1/32 of an inch, and the size of the letter and/or symbols may be on theorder of 1/16 of an inch.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, it shows wheel and shaft assembly 200, which maybe incorporated into vehicle 100 or 100 a, for example. In this example,assembly 200 includes wheels 110. However, assembly 200 may be a front,rear, mid, or other wheel set for vehicle 100. Assembly 200 furtherincludes shaft 210, which in one example, may be formed of metal, suchas steel, aluminum, or variations thereof. In one example, the diameterof shaft 210 is approximately 1/16 of an inch. In other examples it maybe less than ⅛ of an inch, or less than 1/16 of an inch. Shaft 210 mayhave a head 220 on each end to retain wheels 110. Wheels 110 may beconfigured to rotate about shaft 210 independently of each other, or inunison. In one example, the head is formed. by placing wheels 110 ontoshaft 210, and then performing a metal forming process that compressesor deforms the shaft to form heads 220 on each end.

While FIG. 2A shows an example of a two wheel system, various otheroptions are possible. For example, the assembly may have a single wheelor more than two wheels. Further details of wheels 110 are described inmore detail below with regard to FIG. 3 and others.

FIG. 2B shows an alternative wheel and shaft assembly 250 usingalternative wheels 260 and metallic shaft 270. Further details of wheels260 are described in more detail below with regard to FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example wheel with see-through aspects isdescribed, where alternative embodiments are shown in FIG. 6, forexample. The translucent or transparent wheels can provide aninteresting and new look that can increase the desirability of thevehicle for collection and play. However, it may be difficult toconstruct a translucent or transparent wheel that meets cost,durability, and manufacturing objectives, while also maintaining otherfeatures, such as acceptable track performance and the ability fordecoration with a desired appearance. These difficulties may beexperienced with high volume situations where cost and manufacturingconcerns are of great concern, or even in low volume production. Variousembodiments described below address these issues, as well as others.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3A, it shows a three dimensional viewof an example wheel 300 that may be used in assembly 200. Wheel 300 maybe used for the wheels shown in FIG. 1A or 2A, for example. Wheel 300 isshown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A, for example. Wheel 300 is shown having atleast two portions, an inner portion 310 and an outer portion 320. Inthis example, outer portion 320 is configured to interface a vehiclewith a surface (not shown), such as a floor, road, track, or othervehicle. Therefore, outer portion 320, in one example, acts as a tiresection of the wheel. Inner portion 310, in one example, is configuredto interface the wheel 300 to a shaft, such as shaft 210. Therefore,inner portion 310, in one example, acts as a hub section of the wheelthat may include a bearing surface relative to the shaft.

In one example, outer portion 320 includes translucent or transparentmaterials (that may have higher friction), while inner portion 310includes materials that decrease friction at the bearing surface. Assuch, by using translucent materials in non-bearing sections of thewheel, translucent or transparent wheels may be configured to maintainbearing performance. In this way, at least a two-part wheel may be usedto reduce bearing surface friction and potentially enabling improvedvehicle performance on tracks, while providing a desired see-throughappearance. Having increased track performance can increase a vehicle'scollectability, and increase the play experience.

Also, since some materials with a translucent or transparent look may bedifficult to form into a single wheel, by using at least a two-partwheel, more efficient manufacturing may be achieved.

Returning to FIG. 3, while the example of FIG. 3 shows only twoportions, additional portions may be used, such as intermediate innerportions along a radius of the wheel, or additional and/or separateportions along the width of wheel, such as described below with regardto FIG. 7 below. In one example, inner and outer portion 310 and 320 mayform a single, unitary, wheel. Also, while certain portions may bereferred to as “inner” or “outer” portions, this may only be a relativerelationship to other portions or components. For example, in oneexample, a third portion (not shown) may be placed between portion 310and 320, where the third portion has certain features that are at leastpartially visible through translucent or transparent sections of portion320. In this case, the third portion may be referred to as an innerportion, since it is at least partially within portion 320. Likewise, afourth portion (not shown) may be placed outside portion 320, where thethird portion has certain features that are at least partially visiblethrough translucent or transparent sections of the fourth portion. Inthis case, portion 320 may be referred to as an inner portion, and thefourth portion may be referred to as an outer portion since it is atleast partially outside portion 320.

In the example of FIG. 3A, inner portion 310 includes five spokes 330,creating five voids 332 that extend through wheel 300. While five spokesare shown in this example, more or less spokes may be used, such as six,for example. Spokes 330 are shown extending from an inner cylinder 334,having a hole 335 therethrough configured to be coupled to a cylindricalshaft. An outer protrusion 336 of spherical shape extends from cylinder334. Also, an outer cylinder 338 of shorter depth is positioned aroundinner cylinder 334, and between spokes 330. Also, spokes 330 have acurved outward facing surface 340, and flat sides 342.

Inner portion 310 also has an exterior surface 344 with protrusion 346.In the example where outer portion 320 is at least partially translucentor transparent, features, such as surface features, of inner portion310, such as stepped protrusion 346, may be visible or partially visiblethrough outer portion 320. Specifically, as described in more detailbelow, a section of outer portion 320 may have a different lighttransmissivity than a section of inner portion 320, thereby creating atransparent or translucent appearance of outer portion 320.

For example, outer portion 320 may have material properties thattransmit and/or diffuse light (or that diffuse light of specificwavelengths to create certain color appearances) to a greater extentthan material properties of inner portion 310. In one specific example,outer portion 320 diffuses visible light of specific wavelengths tocreate a translucent colored effect, and inner portion 310 reflectsand/or absorbs visible light, or combinations thereof.

In other words, transparent materials are able to transmit lightdirectly, while translucent materials are able to transmit light butalso diffuse the light to some extent. For example, a translucentappearance may include a semi-transparent appearance. Transparent ortranslucent materials that appear to have a certain color haveproperties that transmit light at a specific wavelength, or range ofwavelengths. Thus, by using material with different light transmissionand/or diffusion properties, features of inner potion 310 may be visibleor partially visible through outer portion 320.

In one embodiment, the entire outer portion 320 is translucent ortransparent and the entire inner portion 310 is opaque, thus giving theappearance that wheel 300 has a translucent or transparent tire.However, in alternative embodiments, both portions may be translucent ortransparent of partially translucent or transparent. For example, outerportion 320 may include at least one material which has higher lighttransmissivity than a material of inner portion 310. Alternatively,outer portion 320 may include at least one material which has lowerlight diffusivity than a material of inner portion 310. In still anotherembodiment, outer portion 320 may include at least one material whichhas lower light absorption than a material of inner portion 310. Stillfurther, various combinations of the above properties may be used,where, for example, outer portion 320 may include at least one materialwith different transmissivity, diffusivity, reflectivity, refractivity,and/or light absorption, or combinations thereof, than a material ofinner portion 310. In yet another embodiment, various combinations ofthe above properties may be used, where, for example, outer portion 320may include at least one material with different transmissivity,diffusivity, reflectivity, refractivity, and/or light absorption, orcombinations thereof, for a wavelength (e.g., color) or specificwavelengths (colors), than a material of inner portion 310.

Returning to FIG. 3A, protrusion 346 includes five extensions, or steps,348 where the depth of protrusion 346 is increased relative toun-extended region 352. While five extensions are shown, more or lessmay be used. As shown in FIG. 3A, extensions 348 extend outward towardthe outer side of wheel 300, and may be tapered to become narrower, thushaving a trapezoidal shape. Further details of the structure ofprotrusions 346 are described in more detail below with regard to FIG.4. Also, different shaped protrusions, such as triangular ortrapezoidal, may be used, for example. Further, still other shapes ofprotrusions may be used, if desired. The protrusions may also be of arepeating shape nature, or may each be of different shapes. Suchprotrusions may be shaped such as to be used as identifying indicia forthe vehicle. Further such protrusions may be shaped to include messages,images, codes, or to imitate or make the wheels or vehicles appear to bein motion.

In some example, protrusions 346 also may act as interlocking groovesand steps with outer portion 320 to increase friction between the twoportions in the direction of rotation of the wheel. In this way,potential slippage in the direction of rotation is decreased. Also, theangular shape of extensions 348 may further provide for interlockingbetween the inner and outer portion.

Further still, protrusions 346 may hold the outer portion (which mayinclude or be a tire section) during a wheel manufacturing process, suchas a co-molding process or other process), thereby enabling improvedmanufacturability, while also providing an interesting appearance thatmay increase item collectibility and/or value.

Inner portion 310 may also include an outward outer face or surface 356that is substantially flat and is substantially planar with exteriorsurface 344 of outer portion 320 (discussed below). Outward outer face356 may also be substantially parallel to flat outer face 372 of outerportion 320 (discussed below). Inner portion 310 may also include aninward facing surface 374 that is substantially flat and issubstantially planar with surface 372 of outer portion 320 (discussedbelow). In an alternative embodiment, outward outer face 356 and inwardfacing surface 374 of inner portion 310 may extend past outer portion320, or end within outer portion 320.

In one example, outward outer face 356 may be marked or stamped with ahot stamping process. The stamping may provide a silver, chrome, or goldplating appearance, such as by a silver hot stamping process. Note thatother plating colors may also be used. Such stamping may be used asidentifying indicia or increase the desirability of the vehicle forcollection or play. It should be appreciated that other decorations maybe applied on outward outer face 356, or no decoration may be applied.

Outer portion 320 may be translucent and/or transparent, wholly or inpart. In the drawings, the example translucent and/or transparentaspects are indicated with the conventional drawing designation for sucha feature. While this example shows the entire outer portion being atranslucent and/or transparent material, various other examples aredescribed below with regard to FIG. 7. Further, the level oftransparency (or transmissivity, or diffusivity) of the outer portionmay vary, as well as the color of outer portion 320 (by varying, forexample, the wavelength of light transmitted). Colors may include:green, blue, smoke, red, yellow, clear, white, grey, or others. In someembodiments, the outer portion of the wheels may be of a single color,while in others, multiple colors may be used.

The various coloring of the wheels may be used to identify the vehicleor a vehicle type. For example, vehicle 100 in FIG. 1 and vehicle 100 ain FIG. 1A may both include translucent/transparent wheels of the samecolor, e.g. green. By providing wheels of the same color, it may beunderstood that such vehicles are within the same set, team, or group.Further, as another example, the wheels of vehicle 100 may be a firstcolor, e.g. red, and the wheels of vehicle 100 a a second color, e.g.blue, and the various wheel colors may be used to identify the vehicles,or identify that the vehicles are of different sets, teams, or groups.Additionally, the coloring of the wheels may correspond to otherinterrelated items, such as track sets, games, cartoons, carriervehicles, etc. Further still, common coloring of a vehicle's body andwheels, for example, may be used. For example, color matching and/orcoordination may be used to coordinate colors of the wheel and vehicle(e.g., green translucent wheels may be used with a vehicle having greencoloring and/or details). Also, different shades of the same color maybe used for translucent portions of the wheels and on the vehicle body.

Outer portion 320 may have a smooth outer cylinder surface 350 andsmooth outer face surface 354, and may be mated physically contiguouswith exterior surface 344 and protrusions 346. However, in analternative embodiment, less contact between inner portion 310 and outerportion 320 may be used. Outer cylinder surface 350 may have a smoothfinish to enhance the translucent or transparent look of the wheels andenable physical structure features and/or shapes of inner portion 310 tobe visible (or at least partially visible), such as protrusions 346, forexample. Further, symbols, pictures, text, radial steps, circumferentialsteps, recesses, other decorations, and/or combinations thereof may beplaced on inner portion 310 so that they are visible through translucentor transparent sections (if any) of outer portion 320. In one example,the features may be located on exterior surface 344. For example,writing, symbols, etc., may be disposed on exterior surface 344 of innerportion 310, either on the protrusion 346 or not, so that it (or atleast some of the feature) may be visible through at least some of outerportion 320.

In still another alternative example, outer cylinder surface 350 canhave a sanded and/or more granular finish to obscure features that maybe visible through translucent or transparent sections. In someembodiments, the rougher finish may provide increased traction of thewheels on a track, and may improve performance of the vehicle on thetrack.

In one example, inner portion 310 and outer portion 320 are formed ofsimilar plastics, such as acrylonitrile butadine styrene (ABS). Otherplastics or resins that may be used include delrin, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), orpolystyrene (PS).

In another example, inner portion 310 and outer portion 320 are formedof dissimilar plastics, such as the following: delrin, nylon, ABS,thermoplastics, or those listed above. In one example, thermoplasticsmay be used for the outer portion and/or inner portion to furtherfacilitate insert molding and/or co-molding. Note also that variouscoloring may be added to color the plastic of the inner and/or outerportions. In one example, the inner portion can have a silver color,while in other cases it may be white, or black, for example.

Suitable thermoplastics may include, for example, polyvinyl chloride,acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polycarbonate, polystyrene,polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene tetrephthalate-glycol, nylon,and RIM urethanes. Polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers (ionomers,etc.) may be inexpensive thermoplastic resins which may have suitablemolding properties and may also be suitable for use. Additionally,various thermoplastic elastomers, such as the TPO's (thermoplasticolefin) elastomers, may be employed. Also note that materials other thanplastics may also be used for the wheels, or wheel components.

As described above, costs of manufacturing a translucent or transparentwheel may be reduced by manufacturing at least a two-part wheel with atleast one part comprising partially translucent or transparent material.However, it is also possible to manufacture a translucent or transparentwheel with the features above in a single piece. However, by using atleast a two-part wheel, along with co-molding in one example, thedesired appearance, performance, cost, and manufacturability may beachieved.

As described above, features of inner portion 310 may be at leastpartially visible through an at least partially translucent ortransparent outer portion 320. The feature may include at least one oftexture, words, symbols, a flat surface, a ridge, a stepped protrusion(such as 346), or combinations thereof.

Note that while FIG. 3A shows both inner portion 310 and outer portion320 each formed of a single piece, in an alternative embodiment thesemay be divided into multiple pieces and separate pieces that are formedtogether via insert molding, or co-molding, for example. Further notethat while many of the edges and corners of FIG. 3A are shown as sharp,rounded edges may also be used.

FIGS. 3B and 3C show front and side views, respectively, of wheel 300,with like parts numbered with like numbers. FIG. 3D shows a threedimensional rear view of wheel 300, and FIG. 3E shows a rear view ofwheel 300.

FIG. 3D shows additional details of the rear of wheel 300, includinginner cylinder 334 having a flat exterior face 360 which is locatedfacing the interior of the vehicle, for example. Further, FIG. 3D showsflat exterior surface 370 of spokes 330.

FIG. 3E shows a rear view of wheel 300, showing details that may facethe vehicle, such as vehicle 100. Specifically, FIG. 3E shows how inthis example, spokes 340 taper outward toward the outer portion, as wellas voids 332.

While FIG. 3A-E are drawn approximately to scale, the features andelements may be changed and altered to be of different sizes and shapes.In the example shown, the scale of FIG. 3B is approximately 5.4:1. Inother words, in one example, wheel 300 has an outer diameter ofapproximately ⅝ of an inch. Note that various other sized wheels may beused, although the relative sizing of the components may be consistent(or may be varied). Also, in some examples, different sized wheels maybe used in different locations on a vehicle. For example, the frontwheels may be smaller (and/or narrower, thinner, etc.) than the rearwheels. For example, the width of the wheel may be approximately 3/16 ofan inch, 9/32 of an inch, or other. Likewise, the outer diameter of thewheel may also be approximately 15/32 of an inch, ½ of an inch, orothers.

FIG. 4A shows inner portion 310 (which may be unitary, or comprised ofseveral separate sections) without outer portion 320. While in oneexample, inner portion 310 is formed of a single section, in otherembodiments multiple pieces or sections may be used.

FIG. 4A uses common reference numbers as used in FIG. 3. For example,FIG. 4A shows an example substantially cylindrical outer surface 350with flat outer faces 354 and 372. FIG. 4B shows a front view of innerportion 310, and FIG. 4C shows a side view of-inner portion 310.

Referring now to FIG. 4D, an alternative embodiment is shown whereexterior face 360 (which faces an inner side of a vehicle, in oneexample) is replaced with a substantially rounded exterior face, whichmay be spherical in shape. Such a structure may reduce the contactsurface between the wheel and the vehicle, thereby reducing friction andimproving vehicle performance.

FIG. 5 shows body section 510 and chassis section 520 of an examplevehicle. While these sections correspond to the example vehicle of FIG.1, various alternative types of vehicle may be used as previouslydescribed. In one example, body section 510 comprises a plastic, such asthose listed above, and chassis section 520 comprises metal. However,other materials, or combinations of materials, may be used. For example,body 510 may be plastic or metal and chassis 520 may be plastic ormetal. FIG. 5 also shows front and rear holes 540 and 542 configured tohold a wheel, or set of wheels (e.g., wheels 200 or 250), via a shaft,such as either of shafts 210 or 270. In one specific example, thechassis may be die cast of an alloy comprising zinc and plated, painted,or combinations thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, chassis section 520 may be configured tohold wheels where each wheel has only a single shaft coupling the wheelto the chassis. In other words, each wheel has a separate shaft.Alternatively, some wheels may share a shaft, while other shafts have asingle wheel.

In one example, body section 510 is coupled to chassis section 520 via asnap fit connection. However, other couplings can be used in thealternative, or in addition, such as, for example, screws, bolts, welds,rivets, combinations thereof, or others. For example, holes 530 may beconfigured to mate with pegs (not shown) of body section 510. Whenmanufacturing, after coupling section 510 to chassis section 520, thepegs may be altered to secure a connection. Alternatively, the pegs ofbody section 510 may be configured to enable a snap-fit connectionbetween body section 510 to chassis section 520. For example, the pegsof body section 510 may have one or more structural features, such asprotrusions, detents, or recesses with corresponding mating structureson the chassis section, to enable coupling of the two sections.

In the example of a metal chassis and a plastic body, it may be possibleto obtain a vehicle with a lower center of gravity (CG) and therebyobtain improved track performance, or improved performance in othervenues.

Note that decorations, markings, and/or painting may be applied to oneor both of the body and chassis, as discussed in more detail below.Also, in this example, body and chassis 510 and 520 may each be asingle, unitary piece. However in an alternative embodiment, the bodyand the chassis may be formed of multiple pieces, or may be formed inmultiple sections.

As discussed in more detail below, a laser etched code, for example asix-digit code of two three-digit sections, may be applied to chassis520, such as described above with regard to FIG. 1C. In one example, thecode may be laser etched onto the bottom side of chassis 520 so that itis visible (and/or human-readable) when the chassis is upside-down. Notethat additional features, symbols, images, text and/or codes may also beapplied to, or laser etched on, chassis 520. Alternatively, codes may belaser etched on body 510, or other parts of the vehicle, such as thewheels.

In still another example, body and chassis 510 and 520 may be configuredto enable a portion of body 510 to protrude through chassis 520. Theprotrusion may be in various shapes, including various designs orindicators, engine or powertrain parts, and/or exhaust parts, orcombinations thereof. In this way, such features may be made to havemore of a contrast when the bottom side of the vehicle is viewed.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, an alternative embodiment of a vehicle and itscomponents is shown. In this example, exterior body section 550 isshown, along with a window section 552, interior body section 554, andchassis 556. Further, front and rear wheel assemblies 558 and 560 arealso shown, which may include assembly 110 or 250, for example. FIG. 5Bshows an assembly view illustrating how the components are assembled,with the vertical direction illustrating relative component positioning.

In this example, body 550 comprises ABS plastic painted as describedbelow herein with regard to FIG. 9, window 552 comprises a k-resin,interior section 554 comprises VUM (which may provide a chromeappearance), and chassis 556 comprises metal (such as zinc, or ZAMAC)which may be painted.

As shown in FIG. 5B, exterior body section 550 includes several holes570, 572, 574, 576 corresponding to a front windshield, side window,rear windshield, and opposite side window, respectively. Window section552, which in this case is a single piece to reduce manufacturing costand complexity, is configured to mate with these holes, and be at leastpartially held by clip 578. Interior body section 554 is shown withvarious features to mimic vehicle components, such as seats, apowertrain, exhaust, etc. Further, interior body section 554 isconfigured to be coupled to chassis 556 and hold wheel assemblies 558and 554. In one example, this is accomplished via the shaft locations580 and 582, which include a plurality of retaining clips 590 and arecess 592 to hold and retain the shaft of the wheel assembly. Further,chassis 582 includes holes 594 and 596 configured to be coupled to oneor more of the body sections, as discussed above with regard to FIG. 5A.In one example, one or more spin posts (not shown) may be included inone or more of sections 554 and/or 550, which may be used to align withhole 594 (and/or 596) during assembly.

FIGS. 6A-B show an alternative embodiment wheel 600, which may be usedwith a toy vehicle, such as vehicle 100 or 100 a, or used to form awheel assembly, such as in FIG. 2B, for example. Specifically, FIG. 6Ashows a 3-D perspective from the outer side of the wheel, and FIG. 6Bshows a 3-D perspective from the inner side of the wheel (although thewheel may be mounted in either direction, just as with regard to wheel300). FIG. 6C shows a front view of wheel 600. In this example, wheel600 is unitary and formed in a single piece. However, in alternativeembodiments, it may be formed of multiple pieces or portions that areformed separately, or concurrently.

Wheel 600, which may be used as wheel 260, may have an inner section 610and an outer section 620. Inner section 610 may include five spokes 612which have inner surfaces 614 creating five voids 618. Although shown ashaving five spokes and five voids, the wheel may include any number ofspokes or voids without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Further although the spokes and voids are shown to be of equal sizerespectively, different sized spokes and/or voids may be applied to thewheel.

Inner section 610 of wheel 600 also may include an inner cylinder 670with a flat outer end 672 and a rounded inner end 674, which may behalf-spherical in one example. Inner end 674 may protrude outward frominner cylinder 670 (and extend inward past the edge inward facing sidesurface 664, see below), thereby reducing potential friction between theinner edge of the wheel or tire and the vehicle. Inner cylinder 670 alsomay have a hole or aperture 676 therethrough configured to receive ashaft, such as shaft 270. Outer end 672 of inner cylinder 670 may alsohave a recessed feature, such as the five-sided star shaped feature 678.In one example embodiment, a head on a shaft, such as shaft 270, issized to fit into recess 678, thereby providing a possibility forimproved stability, and fit and finish appearance. While a five sidedshaped recess is shown in FIGS. 6A and C, various other recess shapesmay be used, such as circular, square, or others.

The outer section 620 of wheel 600 is cylindrical in shape, with anouter, flat surface 660, outward facing side surface 662, and inwardfacing side surface 664, relative to the vehicle. In the example ofFIGS. 6A and C, outward facing side surface 662 includes a stepped innersurface 668. In one example, outward facing side surface 662 and inwardfacing side surface 664 are substantially parallel, and substantiallyperpendicular to surface 660.

In some embodiments, portions of wheel 600 may comprise an opaqueplastic, while other portions of wheel 600 may include at least atranslucent or transparent section. For example, wheel 600 may compriseat least an inner and outer portion (corresponding to inner section 610and outer section 620), where the outer portion comprises a translucentor transparent plastic, and the inner portion comprises a lesstranslucent or less transparent material, such as an opaque material.

As noted above, FIGS. 6A-C are drawn approximately to scale. In oneexample embodiment, the outer diameter of wheel 600 is approximately ⅝of an inch, and the outer width is approximately 11/16 of inch. Further,the outer rim thickness of 662 may be approximately 1/16 of an inch or ⅛of an inch, or less than ⅛ of an inch in some examples. The thickness ofspokes 612 may be approximately 1/16 of an inch, ⅛ of an inch or lessthan ⅛ or 1/16 of an inch in some examples. In the example shown, thescale of FIG. 6A is approximately 5.4:1, within approximately ±20%. Notealso that the relative sizing of the wheel features may also beadjusted.

While the above embodiment shows specific sizes and relative proportionsthat may be desirable, various modifications may be made. In otherwords, as noted above, the features and elements may be changed andaltered to be of different sizes and shapes, if desired.

The configuration of wheel 600 may enable the wheel to obtain a lowprofile appearance, while maintaining vehicle performance during use ona track, and while still meeting cost and manufacturabilityrequirements. In other words, it may be possible to achieve a desiredrelative sizing of various wheel aspects while meeting otherrequirements.

Referring now to FIG. 6D, still another alternative embodiment of awheel that may include translucent or transparent aspects is shown. Inthis example, a six spoked wheel 679 is shown, although more or lessspokes may be used, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, or others. This wheel ofFIG. 6D may be used in place of any of the wheels disclosed herein,including the wheel of FIGS. 2-4 or 6A-C, F-J, for example.

FIG. 6D shows inner portion 682 and outer portion 680, where outerportion 680 may act as a tire section, and inner portion 682 may act asa hub section. Outer portion 680 is shown with a rounded exterior(relative to a vehicle) edge, and a flat interior (relative to avehicle) edge. In this example, both inner and outer portions 680 and682 are opaque. However, in one example (see FIGS. 6F-G below) outerportion 680 (and/or inner portion 682) may comprise translucent ortransparent aspects, such as described herein with regard to FIGS. 3-4,6A-C, 6F-J, and 7, for example. Specifically, any of the materials,features, etc. described above with regard to FIG. 3, 4, 6A-C, 6F-J or 7may be used in wheel 679.

Continuing with FIG. 6D, inner portion 682 includes an outer rim section684 and an inner hub section 686, where the sections are connected bysix spokes 688. The spoke may have a depth slightly less than the depthof the outer portion, as shown in FIG. 6E, or may be thinner in analternative embodiment.

In this example, outer rim section 684 includes protruding knobs 689which may provide an appearance of rivets. In this example, 12 knobs areshown, however, more or less may be used. The knobs 689 are located onrecessed area 690 of outer rim section 684. In this example, the knobsare cylindrical in shape, however other shapes may be used if desired.

Spokes 688 are shown with a rectangular cross-section and a curved shapebetween outer rim section 684 and an inner hub section 686. Also, spokes688 contain a recess 691 at the interface between the spokes and outerrim section 684, which continues partially into outer rim section 684.

Inner hub section 686 is shown with a cylindrical shape, and may includea spherical end facing a vehicle (see FIG. 6E) as described above withregard to FIG. 4D. Further, as shown in FIG. 6D, the outward facing end692 of inner hub section 686 may include a hole 693 with an at leastpartially surrounding recess 694. In this example, the recess includes a5-sided shape recesses, although other shapes may be used, such as thestar shape of FIG. 6A (see 678).

Also, as described above with regard to FIGS. 3-4, inner portion 682 mayinclude various features, such as features on its exterior surface (thatinterfaces to outer portion 680) that may be at least partially visiblethrough outer portion 680. For example, protrusions with extended andnon-extended regions may be used, if desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 6F-G, an alternative embodiment shows wheel 692in FIGS. 6D-E, where outer portion 680 comprises translucent aspects. Inthis example, an alternative protrusion 694 (compared with protrusion346) is used, where a second, less wide extension is added.Specifically, protrusion 694 includes five wider extensions, or steps,696 where the depth of protrusion 696 is increased relative toun-extended region 698. Protrusion 694 also includes five narrowerextensions, or steps, 694 where the depth of protrusion 694 is increasedrelative to un-extended region 698. While five extensions are shown ofeach width, more or less may be used. Further, extensions 694 may beless extended than extensions 696 (as shown), or equally extended (notshown).

Referring now to FIGS. 6H, J, and K, an alternative embodiment of thewheel shown in FIGS. 6A-C is illustrated. Specifically, wheel 698 isidentical to the wheel of FIGS. 6A-C, except that cylinder 670 is lessdeep, so that spokes 612 extend outward past flat outer end 672.Further, a chamfer 699 is included, which may reduce stress at thejuncture of the spoke and the hub.

Further, wheel 698 is shown with a translucent outer portion 620, andwithout any protrusions below surface 660. However, protrusions such asthose described herein may be used to improve the juncture between theinner and out portions if desired. Also, in an alternative embodiment,the outer portion of FIG. 6H may be opaque, such as black.

FIG. 6J shows a partial cross-section, illustrating the rounded edge 697on the inner and outer edge of outer portion 620, along with the angleof spokes 612.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-D, exemplary alternative embodiments of wheelconfigurations are shown with various examples of translucent ortransparent features that may be used on one or more wheels of toyvehicle 100, or 100 a, or with the wheels of FIG. 3 or 6, for example.Specifically, FIGS. 7A-D show various combinations of translucent ortransparent features and/or materials to obtain different still andin-motion effects, and therefore may increase play fun and excitementand collectibility, among achieving other effects. Note also that any ofthe above described wheels may be used on various other toys orproducts, such as, for example, doll roller skates, doll skateboards,spaceships, or others, as noted herein.

FIG. 7A shows a front and side view of an example of wheel 700 a wherethe entire outer portion 720 a of wheel 700 a is made from a translucentor transparent material. In this example, inner portion 710 a is opaque,and thus the protrusions 746 a may be visible in the front and sideviews.

FIG. 7B shows a front and side view of an example of wheel 700B whereless than the entire outer portion 720 b of wheel 700 b is made from atranslucent or transparent material. Specifically, three radial sections780 b (which may be translucent or transparent or combinations thereof),and three opaque sections 782 b of outer portion 720 b are shown. Notethat any number of translucent or transparent radial sections may beused, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, . . . 20, for example. In thisexample, inner portion 710 b is also opaque, and thus at least some ofthe protrusions 746 b may be visible in the front and side views throughsections 780 b.

FIG. 7C shows a front and side view of an example of wheel 700 c whereless than the entire outer portion 720 c of wheel 700 c is made from atranslucent or transparent material. Specifically, two sections 780 c(which may be translucent or transparent) along the width of the wheel,and two opaque sections 782 c of outer portion 720 c are shown. Notethat any number of translucent depth sections may be used, such as 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, . . . 20, for example. In this example, inner portion 710c is also opaque, and thus at least some of the protrusions 746 c may bevisible in the front and side views through sections 780 c.

FIG. 7D shows a front and side view of an example of wheel 700 d whereless than the entire outer portion 720 d of wheel 700 d is made from atranslucent material. Specifically, two circumferential sections 780 c(which may be translucent or transparent), and two opaquecircumferential sections 782 d of outer portion 720D are shown. Notethat any number of translucent or transparent circumferential sectionsmay be used, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, . . . 20, for example. In thisexample, inner portion 710 d is also opaque, and however, due tooutermost section 782 d, none of the protrusions 746 d may be visible inthe side view, while edges may be visible in the front view.

While FIGS. 7A-7D show examples of translucent or transparent aspectsthat may be included for various toy wheels, various other translucentor transparent aspects may also be used. Further, features may becombined between the various embodiments, if desired.

Vehicles may have all wheels with the same or similar features, or somewheels with different, or no, translucent or transparent features. Forexample, all wheels may have translucent or transparent features, oronly some of the wheels (e.g., less than all of the wheels) may havetranslucent or transparent features. Also, some wheels may havedifferent translucent or transparent effects than other wheels. As anexample, in a front and rear wheeled vehicle, the front wheels may besubstantially opaque, while the rear wheels may have translucent ortransparent features, or vice versa.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating an example manufacturing processfor forming at least a two-part wheel, which may include the wheels ofFIGS. 2-4, and 6, for example. Specifically, the manufacturing processincludes a method for forming an inner portion and outer portion of awheel in the example where the inner portion includes a hub section andthe outer portion includes a tire section. As noted below, co-molding,or insert molding, techniques may be used. For example, the innerportion may be first formed, and then the outer portion may be formedaround the inner portion. Alternatively, the inner and outer portionsmay be molded together. In still another alternative, the outer portionmay be first formed, and then the inner portion may be formed within theouter portion. Also, while the process described herein is for a singlewheel, it may be expanded to concurrently form a plurality of wheels.Further still, while the process is described for a two-part wheel, itmay be used on wheels having more than two sections, or may be used toform only portions of a wheel.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 8, in step 810, ABS resin, or similarcomposition, for the inner and outer portions may be pre-dried inmachine hoppers. In one example, as noted above, the inner portionincludes a hub section and the outer portion includes a tire section.Next, in step 812, molten ABS for the inner portion and outer portionmay be injected through two separated barrels into the mold designed toproduce the forms described above herein with regard to FIGS. 2-4, forexample. Then, in step 814, the first injection hub is formed, and thesecond injection tire is formed over the hub into a wheel. Then, in step816, the co-molded wheel is ejected. If desired, the wheel may bedecorated, such as via a hot silver stamp on an outer edge, as describedabove herein.

As noted above, the outer portion may comprise translucent ortransparent ABS material. In this way, it may be possible to co-mold awheel, such as the wheel illustrated in FIG. 3A, for example. Further,the co-molding process may affix the inner and outer portions so thatthey may form a unitary structure. Also, the process may be expanded forwheels having more than two portions or sections, or for wheels wherethe hub and or tire sections comprise multiple parts or portions.

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart illustrating an example manufacturing andpainting process for a plastic item, such as a toy vehicle, a doll,accessories for toys, or other such items. Such a process may beespecially useful for toy vehicles having a plastic body, where a highquality finished appearance may be desired in some cases.

Further, as noted above, toy vehicle 100 may be used with various tracksets. As such, track performance may be a significant characteristic asto whether the toy vehicle is desirable by consumers. One approach toimprove track play described herein is to lower the vehicle's center ofgravity (CG), which can be at least partially achieved by using aplastic body. The plastic body may be combined with a metal or plasticchassis. Plastic bodies may also have the ability to show improved linedetails, due to potentially lower forming temperatures (e.g., <200 C)compared with die casting (e.g., >375 C).

While plastic bodies may have good definition, previous use of plasticbodies resulted in perceived cheap or poor quality vehicles incomparison to metal bodied vehicles. This perception may be due, inpart, to potential issues in achieving high quality paint finish onplastics, when compared with metal. Specifically, high quality paintfinishes may be relatively cost effectively obtained on metal surfacesvia an electrostatic painting process, where the metal body is charged,and the paint it oppositely charged. Since most plastics are notconductive, such an electrostatic process generally may not be appliedto the plastic bodies.

However, the approach described herein overcomes the above obstacles andimproves plastic body paint quality, while maintaining cost effectivemanufacturing processes. As described in more detail below, in oneexample, a spray having a suspension of chargeable particles is appliedto the body before painting. In this way, the body can then be charged(e.g., given a negative charge), so that charged (e.g., positivelycharged) paint can be used, thus enabling an electrostatic paintingprocess. In this way, it is possible to obtain a high quality look tothe painted vehicle, with a low CG for improved track performance.

Turning now specifically to FIG. 9, a process is described formanufacturing and painting a toy vehicle, such as vehicle 100 or 100 a.In this example, an electrostatic painting process is provided, eventhough the car body may be substantially plastic.

Specifically, in one example, a car body may be molded from ABS and achassis may be die cast using a zinc alloy, for example. As shown inblock 910, the molded body may be placed on a rack via a spindle used tohold the body for the painting process. Any suitable rack or holdingsystem may be used to support the molded body during the paintingprocess. In block 912, a base coat application of an electro-conductivesolution (Basecoat I) is applied to the plastic body. In one example,the. electroconductive solution used is a commercially available productwith a trade name “Solad 20.” In one example, the solution may comprisethe product and a solvent. Any suitable solvent may be used, such as,for example, isopropyl alcohol. For example, the electro-conductivesolution may include Solad 20 and isopropyl alcohol.

After applying Basecoat I, in block 914, an air cure may be performed.In one example, it may be performed at room temperature, with still ormotion air. Any other curing method may also be used.

Once sufficiently cured, then, in block 916, a topcoat application(Topcoat 1) of the desired paint may be applied. In one example, aRANSBURG robotic painting booth may be used. However, alternative paintapplication approaches may be used, if desired. In one example, TopcoatI may be a plastic lacquer.

Topcoat I may be positively charged such that it reacts with thenegatively charged body (charged via the electro-conductive solution),or vice versa. The use of the charged solutions enables electro-staticpainting to be performed on the plastic body.

Next, in block 918, a cure is performed in an oven at approximately70-80 degrees C. for approximately 20 minutes. Note that this may bevaried depending on the type of paint used, the color of paint used, thesize of the plastic body, humidity, and various other factors.

In some embodiments, a second layer may be applied to the vehicle body.For example, in block 920, a repeat application of theelectro-conductive solution may be applied (Basecoat II). In block 922,another topcoat (Topcoat II) may be applied with clear acrylic lacquer.Again, positively charging the paint, and applying the positivelycharged paint to the negatively charged electrostatic layer on the body,may enable electro-static painting to be performed on the plastic body.

Again curing may occur. For example, in block 924, another oven cure maybe performed at approximately 70-80 degrees C. for approximately 20minutes. Again the time and/or temperature may be varied based onnumerous factors. Finally, in block 926, the part is de-racked.

Bringing together various of the manufacturing processes describedherein for manufacturing a scale vehicle, such as a toy vehicle, thefollowing steps (alone or in combination with these or other step) maybe used to generate a toy vehicle:

-   -   die cast a chassis;    -   laser etch a code onto a the chassis;    -   mold a plastic body;    -   paint plastic body via using an electroconductive solution (see        FIG. 9);    -   co-mold wheels;    -   couple plastic body and chassis;    -   add shaft to chassis;    -   add wheel(s) to shaft; and    -   press ends of shaft to capture wheel(s) by forming a head.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the specificroutines and/or processes described herein may represent one or more ofany number of processing strategies. As such, various acts, steps,and/or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequenceillustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Further, additionalsteps may be added. Likewise, the order of processing is not necessarilyrequired to achieve the features and advantages, but is provided forease of illustration and description. Although not explicitlyillustrated, one or more of the illustrated acts, steps, or functionsmay be repeatedly performed depending on the particular strategy beingused. Further, these figures may graphically represent code to beprogrammed into a computer readable storage medium in a controller usedto control the manufacturing, etching, painting processes, and/orcombinations thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 10A, an example package 1000 is described in whicha car and one or more cards for a card game are packaged together forsale. Although described and discussed as “cards”, it should beappreciated that “cards” as used herein may include any type of gamepiece, including, but not limited to tokens, chips, player pieces,markers, etc. In one embodiment, cardboard backing 1010 may be used,where various marketing and other text and graphics may be applied, suchas logo 1012. A blister pack 1014 may be applied to cardboard backing1010 and held with an adhesive, or other connection substance, so thatthe blister pack is removable by a purchaser. As shown in FIG. 10A,blister pack 1014 holds a product, such as a toy vehicle 1016, and apackage of cards 1018. Toy vehicle 1016 may include any of the featuresdescribed herein, such as translucent or transparent wheels, and/or alaser etched code. Package of cards 1018 includes cards that may be usedin an expandable deck card game, such as is described below. However,the cards may also be collectable cards, trading cards, lottery cards,informational cards, and/or cards for use in a card game, board game orelectronic game.

In one example, package of cards 1018 is a sealed package of 3 separatecards. In some embodiments, the content of the cards may be at leastpartially concealed by at least one of the card package 1000, or vehicle1016. In other embodiments, the content of the cards may be availablefor viewing through the package. Moreover, in alternative embodiments,more or less cards may be used. For example, a deck of cards, ormultiple decks of cards may be included in package 1000. Also, thecard(s) may be unpackaged, yet still captured by blister pack 1014.

In one embodiment, at least one of the cards in package of cards 1018may used for a card game, such a fixed or expandable deck race car gamethat also relates to toy vehicle 1016. For example, the race car gamemay have cards that relate to vehicle 1016, even though the particularcards in 1018, or one of the cards in 1018, do not necessary relate tovehicle 1016. Alternatively, at least one of the cards in 1018 mayspecifically relate to vehicle 1016.

Referring now to FIGS. 10B-D, alternative packaging examples that may beused are shown, along with example containers and retail packaging.

Specifically, FIG. 10B shows an example container or case 1020 forholding cards for a card game, tokens, a toy product (such as a toyvehicle, figure, etc.), instructions, or combinations thereof. Further,additional game pieces, cards, etc. may also be stored in container1020. In this example, container 1020 has shape aspects related to agame or product that may be stored in container 1020. For example, inthe case of a card game related to vehicle racing, container 1020 may beconfigured to have a shape related to the vehicle or racing, such as anengine part. For example, container 1020 is shaped as an enginemanifold. However, other shapes may also be used, including a wheel,tire, steering wheel, seat, accelerator or gas pedal, shift lever,trunk, turn signal, windshield wiper, cylinder, piston, radiator,combinations thereof, or others. Further, the container may have a shaperelated: to a part typically included in products that relate to thegame, which also applies to the case where the container is in the shapeof an engine part typically included in a vehicle, such as the enginemanifold.

Continuing with FIG. 10B, a top section 1022 is shown have a shaperelated to an engine. Specifically, intake manifold runners 1024 and oilcap 1026 are shown as example shapes related to racing vehicles. The topsection 1022 may be removably coupled to lower section 1028. In oneexample, top section 1022 is configured to fit over lower section 1028,creating an interference fit to hold top section 1022 to the bottomsection 1028. In another example, a clasp, lock, or other device may beused to couple the top and bottom sections. Returning to top section1022, it may include two manifold cover sections 1032 and 1034, whichmay be of a rougher surface finish than manifold runner section 1036.

In one example, a raised section 1030 is used, which may be in the shapeof a logo. Specifically, a raised section in the shape of a logo may beused on the product. The raised logo section may include additionalmarking or VUM to create contrast, if desired.

Container 1020 may comprise plastic or other materials, such as metal orcardboard. Further, it may be painted, such as by the paint processdescribed herein in the example, where a plastic container is used.

Referring now to FIG. 10C, an example embodiment is illustrated wherecontainer 1020 is shown in an open position holding various items(showing the interior of the top and bottom sections). Specifically, topsection is shown removed from bottom section 1028. In this example,bottom section 1028 may include tabs 1058 and 1060 to enable or improveremovable coupling of the top and bottom sections.

Bottom section 1028 may also include a plurality of internal walls, suchas wall 1040 and/or wall 1042. In this example, walls 1040 and 1042create three container sections 1044, 1046, and 1048. Section 1044 maybe used and/or configured to hold a set of tokens 1050 (which may beoriginally packaged in a clear plastic bag 1052 so that they are notlost). Section 1044 may be used and/or configured to hold a plurality ofcards 1056 (such as two decks of 40 cards, or more, or less, which maybe starter sets for an expandable deck card game). Section 1046 may beused and/or configured to hold a product related to the card game (suchas a toy vehicle 1053, which may be secured in a plastic retainer 1055so that any damage to the vehicle during movement may be reduced). Inone example, retainer 1055 is shaped to receive vehicle 1053 andsecurely hold vehicle 1053. Also, wall 1040 may comprise a cut-outsection 1051 so that a user may more easily remove one or more cards1056.

Also note that additional wall and/or container sections may be used tohold other items, such as additional cards, other products such asdolls, figures, etc., or other collectible items.

Turning now to FIG. 10D, an example package 1070 is shown, where thepackage may comprise a container 1020, toy vehicle 1053, tokens 1040,and cards 1056. In one embodiment, cardboard backing 1072 may be used,where various marketing and other text and graphics may be applied, suchas a logo. A blister pack 1074 may be applied to cardboard backing 1072and held with an adhesive or other connection substance, so that theblister pack is removable by a purchaser. Alternative, a separateblister pack may be applied to each item, or sub-groups of items, ifdesired. As shown in FIG. 10D, blister pack 1074 holds one or moreproducts, such as a toy vehicle 1053, package of cards 1056, tokens1050, and/or container 1020.

Toy vehicle 1053 may include any of the features described herein, suchas translucent or transparent wheels, and/or a laser etched code.Further, the vehicle may have special markings different from the casewhere the vehicle is sold separately from the game and container. Forexample, vehicle 1053 may have a body with translucent and/ortransparent sections, and/or wheels with translucent aspects, such asdescribed herein, for example. Thus, in one example, the specialdecoration of the vehicle included may be its translucent body, whichenables viewing of internal components, such as speakers.

As noted above, package of cards 1056 may include cards that may be usedin an expandable deck card game, such as is described below. However,the cards may also be collectable cards, trading cards, lottery cards,informational cards, and/or cards for use in a card game, board game orelectronic game.

In one example, package of cards 1056 includes two separately sealedpackages of 40 separate cards. In some embodiments, the content of thecards may be at least partially concealed. In other embodiments, thecontent of the cards may be available for viewing through the package.Moreover, in alternative embodiments, more or less cards may be used.For example, a single card may be used. Also, the card(s) may beunpackaged, yet still captured by blister pack 1074.

In one embodiment, at least one of the cards in package of cards 1056may used for a card game, such a fixed or expandable deck race car gamethat also relates to toy vehicle 1053. For example, the race car gamemay have cards that relate to vehicle 1053, even though the particularcards in 1056, or one of the cards in 1056, do not necessary relate tovehicle 1053. Alternatively, at least one of the cards in 1056specifically relates to vehicle 1053.

In still another embodiment, container 1020 has a shape that relates tovehicle 1053 and/or to the content of cards 1056, or the game usingcards 1056. Further, instructions may be included and may or may not bevisible through blister pack 1074.

In one example, container 1020 hold two decks of cards for an expandablecard racing game, as is described below herein.

In an alternative embodiment, the container, vehicle, tokens, cards,and/or instructions may be packaged with the container in the closedposition, and the components held within the container, and a clearwrapping around the container (as opposed to the “packed-out” package ofFIG. 10D).

An example card game that at least one of cards 1018 and/or 1056 may beused in is described below. An alternative embodiment is shown via theinstructions illustrated with regard to FIGS. 11A-N. Note that these arejust examples, and various other card games may be used. For example,the card game may be related to figures or dolls, for example.

In one example, a card game playable by two or more players isdisclosed, where in one embodiment, the card game includes one or morecard decks. Each deck may comprise a plurality of game cards. The gamecards may be divided into numerous categories. A first category of cardsmay be used to identify and/or build a card game path. A second categoryof cards may be used to represent objects intended to travel along thecard game path. A third category of cards may be used to modify orotherwise alter the objects traveling the card game path. A fourthcategory of cards may be used to thwart the efforts of a playingopponent. Each of these categories of cards may be further subdividedinto subcategories differentiated by a number of factors including, butnot limited to, when or how the cards are played during the card game.Note that cards from any of the above categories may be included in thepackage of cards 1018 sold in package 1000 discussed above.

In one embodiment, players compete to be the first to successfullymaneuver objects along the entirety of the card game path. As anexample, the card game may take the form of a racing car game as shownin FIG. 11. In this example, the card decks may comprise a plurality ofcards including realm cards, vehicle cards, mod cards, shift cards,Accele-chargers cards and hazard cards. The realm cards may be used toset up the racetrack, across which players will compete to race theirvehicle cards. Players' vehicles may be modified or otherwise altered bymod cards, shift cards, and Accele-chargers cards. Players may attemptto thwart the efforts of their opponents by using hazard cards.

According to the presently described example, realm cards may providevarious types of information including speed, power, or performancenumbers and one or more terrain modifier indicators, the functions ofwhich will be explained in further detail below. Realm cards may furtherinclude an area for the name of the card and an area for miscellaneousinformation that may include additional card game rules or informationrelated to the world in which the card game is based. The card mayfurther include a picture or other decorative item. In one example, arealm may be a racing realm, such as a fantastic track set in anenvironment that will test some aspect of a vehicle's abilities. Eachrealm may have a speed, power or performance expectation in addition tosome terrain modifier.

Vehicle cards may include speed, power, or performance numbers and aterrain modifier indicator. Vehicle cards may further include a modcompatibility indicator, team logo, and an area for the name of thecard, an area for miscellaneous information, and a picture or otherdecorative item. In one embodiment, the vehicle may be selected from 4race teams, each having a unique overall attribute in regard to theirspeed, power, performance and ability to be modified. Vehicles may alsohave an added terrain modifier benefit.

Modification, or mod, cards may include speed, power, or performancenumbers and a terrain modifier indicator. Mod cards may further includean area for the card name, an area for miscellaneous information, and apicture or other decorative item. The modifications may stay withvehicles from realm to realm. Alternatively, the modification may betemporary.

Shift cards may include speed, power, or performance numbers. Shiftcards may further include an area for the card name, an area formiscellaneous information, and a picture or other decorative item. Forexample, a shift may be commendable aspects of a drivers abilities, suchas a positive modifier towards a vehicles speed, power or performance.

Accele-chargers cards may include speed, power, or performance numbers.Accele-chargers cards may further include an area for the card name, anarea for miscellaneous information, and a picture or other decorativeitem. The benefit of Accele-chargers cards may be only temporary in thecard game, such as for a fixed number of plays.

Hazard cards may include speed, power, or performance numbers. Hazardcards may further include an area for the card name, an area formiscellaneous information, and a picture or other decorative item.Hazard cards may be negatively impact a vehicle speed, power orperformance, destroy a car, strip it of mods, etc.

The card game may further include a plurality of tokens that may be usedto indicate various occurrences in the card game. Specific exemplaryuses of the tokens are discussed below.

According to one method of play, the players typically try to win thecard game by moving a predetermined number of vehicles through apredetermined number of realms. A vehicle is considered to have “passedthrough” or “successfully traversed” a realm when the vehicle's speed,power and performance values meet or exceed those posted on the realmcard.

Each vehicle begins the card game with base speed, power, andperformance values. These base values are typically printed or otherwiseindicated on the card. The base values of the vehicle can be altered,either increased or decreased, by playing mod, Accele-chargers, shift,or hazard cards. Once a vehicle's speed, power, and performance valuesmeet or exceed the realm's speed, power, and performance values, therealm is considered to have been traversed and the vehicle moves on tothe next realm.

Each player may play with their own deck of cards that includes acombination of realm, vehicle, Accele-chargers, mod, shift, and/orhazard cards. The number of cards in a deck may be limited to a certainnumber of cards, i.e. forty. Alternatively, a deck may include more orfewer than forty cards.

The card game may be packaged ready to play in the form of two fortycard pre-built decks. Alternatively or additionally, cards may beavailable for individual purchase (singly or in groups) so that playersmay create their own unique decks by combining some or all of apre-built deck with individually purchased cards (or another pre-builtdeck) or combining numerous individually purchased cards. For example,as noted above, one or more or groups of cards may be packed with a toy,such as a toy vehicle as described with regard to FIG. 10A above. Forexample, in the presently disclosed embodiment, while players may havesix different card types from which to build their decks, each deck mayinclude varied numbers of each type of card. Any number and type of suchcards may be provided with the vehicle.

For exemplary purposes, the following play instructions are provided forthe example card game. It should be appreciated that other instructionsmay be provided and that such instructions may be varied withoutdeparting from the scope fo the disclosure. Further other card games maybe provided and included with the toy vehicle.

Initially, each player removes three realm cards from his or her deck.The players then alternate setting the realm cards out in a line. Forexample, a total of six realm cards may be laid out to form a racetrack.Player A places one of her realm cards (realm A1) face down on thetable. Player B then places one of his realm cards (realm B1) face downon the table next to realm A1. Player A then places another realm card(realm A2) face down next to realm B1, and so on, until all six realmcards are laid out in a single linear line.

After placing their realm cards on the table, the players each shuffletheir decks and draw a given number of cards to form an initial hand.For example, each player may initially draw seven cards. However, itwill be appreciated that a hand may be comprised of more or less thanseven cards.

Players then take turns drawing cards and placing cards on the tableaccording to the rules of the game. According to the presently describedmethod of playing the game, each player is given a certain number ofaction points at the beginning of each turn. Typically, players beginwith the same number of actions points, for example, 3. However, asexplained in further detail below, the number of action points availableto a player may be altered by various events and circumstances duringthe play of the game. Action points may be represented by a physicaltoken or other item. However, in many cases players may be able toremember the number of action points available to them without the useof a token, and therefore it may not be necessary to provide one.

During a turn, a player may draw a card and then place any cards in hisor her hand on the table so long as the player has enough availableaction points in order to play the cards. For example, vehicle cardstypically require no points and may, therefore, be placed on the tablewithout reducing the number of action points available to the player. Incontrast, shift, mod, Accele-chargers, and hazard cards typically eachhave a specific action point value. A player may play one or more ofthese cards so long as the number of action points the player hasavailable is higher than or equal to the total number of action pointsrequired by the cards.

For example, player A may begin her turn with 3 action points available.In player A's hand is a vehicle card (which requires no action points),a 2 point mod card, a 3 point mod card, a 4 point mod card, a 1 pointhazard card, a 1 point shift card, and a 2 point Accele-chargers card.Player A can play her vehicle card, which requires no action points, andany combination of the other cards in her hands so long as the cards'total action point requirement is less than or equal to 3. Therefore,player A may chose to play the 2 point mod card and the 1 point shiftcard, or only the 3 point mod card. Player A cannot play the 4 point modcard or the 2 point mod card with the 2 point Accele-chargers card.

The rules may further limit the number or type of card that may beplayed during a turn. For example, while vehicle cards may not requireany action points to be played, players may be limited to introducingonly one vehicle card per turn into the game.

Furthermore, the rules may provide for methods by which a player mayincrease the number of action points available at the beginning of hisor her turn. For example, each vehicle may include a team logoindicating that the vehicle belongs to a particular team, and a playermay be awarded an additional action point if the player has two or morevehicles from the same team “in play,” i.e., placed on the table.

As stated above, the game may be played by 2 or more players. Card decksmay also be made available as starter sets. A starter set typicallycomes with two 40 card decks that are “prebuilt”. This means that thesame cards will always appear in every starter set, they are not random.

The objective of the game may be to be the first player to race 3 carsthrough a series of racing realms. Typically, players alternate settingout in a line 3 racing realms each. As vehicles come into play, playerswill equip them to meet or beat the speed, power or performanceexpectation of each racing realm. Vehicles will be “equipped” with mod,shift or Accele-chargers cards. A player can thwart another by playinghazard cards; which blow off these enhancements or the vehiclesthemselves.

As noted above, the card game may be packaged with two decks of 40 cardspacked out in clear wrap, a vehicle with unique starter set decorations,12 wheel of power tokens (which may be plastic or paper), andinstructions. In order to set up the game players may be asked to punchout 12 racing wheel tokens from the token card, or they may be containedin a plastic bag. In one example, such as the example of FIG. 10B, acard game (such as described herein) may be included with a toy product(that relates to the game, such as a vehicle for a card racing game) inpackaging, where the packaging has an appearance related to the cardgame and/or the product. As described above with regard to FIG. 10B, theappearance may be of an engine, intake and/or exhaust manifold, wheel,tire, car, steering wheel, wheel hub, and/or combinations thereof.

According to one method of initially playing the game, each player takesone pre-built 40 card deck. Because the decks are pre-built, the playersmay be encouraged not to shuffle the decks together. Each player mayremove the 3 racing realm card from each of their decks. Players maythen take turns setting up the racing realms face down in a line betweenthem. Each player may shuffle the remainder of their decks and places itin front of them, drawing seven cards. Alternatively, players may beallowed to draw cards until they obtain a vehicle card. Additional cardsmay then be drawn at the cost of an available action point per card. Amaximum and or minimum card limit may be set. Thus, a player who had todraw ten cards in order to draw a vehicle card may be required todiscard down to seven cards after playing the vehicle card.

At the start of each turn, players can draw a card, advance any numberof vehicles that have met the expectation speed, power or performancevalue of the racing realm its in, and put into play a vehicle card forno cost, if desired. According to some methods of playing the game,players may be required to use one action point per card in order todraw cards.

As stated above, some of the racing realms may have a terrain modifierthat provides a benefit to certain vehicles (such as increased speed,power, and/or performance values or additional abilities outlined on thecards or by the rules). In order to identify those vehicles that arecurrently benefiting from the terrain modifier in the current realm,players may place wheel of power tokens on vehicles that may haveentered racing realms that allow them to use as terrain modifier. Aplayer then has 3 Action Points (AP) to play out their turn. The numberof action points available to a player during a turn may be increased by1 AP for every Team of vehicles you have in play. For example, if aplayer has two racers from one team and two racers from another team inplay, that player will now have 5 AP available for use.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the game, the number of APneeded to play each card may be determined by the card type, forexample, Accele-chargers cards and hazard cards may require 3 points,mods 3 points, and shifts 1 point. Alternatively, AP point requirementsmay be varied along card types, i.e. different Accele-chargers cards mayhave different AP point requirements.

The ability to play a card may be dictated by its AP requirements,compatibility of a mod, card copy and/or the effects of a hazard cardplayed against the opponent.

According to one method of playing the game, the first player to exittheir third vehicle out of the 6th racing realm is the winner. If aplayer runs out of cards from their draw pile, the game stops and thewinner maybe determined by a hierarchical list of attributes such as,the player furthest along the race track, the player with the mostpowerful vehicles, the player with the most equipped vehicles, etc.

The Racing Realm cards are initially put into play face down. Cards arelaid out horizontally, end to end, separating the two players. Thisforms the “race track”. Each realm is named and has its own colorpalette. There may be supporting copy on the card that defines anyassociated game play. If a realm bears a terrain modifier icon, anyvehicle with a corresponding icon will receive a +1 to its Speed, Powerand Performance values. Place a Wheel of Power token on that vehicle.Once that vehicle clears that realm the token is removed, unless thenext realm has the same terrain modifier icon. Vehicles may progress tothe next racing realm when their corresponding speed, power orperformance value meets or beat the exit value of the realm.

Vehicle cards may be played horizontally. This allows vehicle info tostill be read off to the left side while it is equipped with verticallyplayed mods, shifts or Accele-chargers cards. Vehicle cards are brokendown into 4 “teams” in this example. Every, or at least one, vehicle mayhave a speed, power and performance value associated to it based off itsvehicle type and/or experience. More specialized vehicles may also havea terrain modifier icon. Vehicles can also be “modified”. Its ability tobe enhanced with a mod may be determined by its mod bar. In one example,a player needs to have a corresponding icon/color on their mod cards inorder for it to be “equipped”. Vehicle cards can be brought into playfor free at the beginning of a players turn. Only one vehicle can bebrought into play per each player's turn. If two vehicles are broughtinto play that are on the same team, that player receives an extraaction point per turn. If a player has multiple teams of vehicles out,they may receive an additional Action Point. A maximum of 6 AP areallowed.

Typically, mods may or may not require AP's to bring in to play. Modsmay be thought of as a physical enhancement to a vehicle. These cardsmay be put into play vertically, on top of a vehicle with acorresponding mod bar. Their speed, power and performance values areadded to the vehicle they are played on mods can also add a TerrainModifier advantage to a vehicle as depicted with an icon. Mods stayequipped to a vehicle as they teleport from realm to realm. An exceptionto this would be any play copy such as: Nitrox Boost, S (Speed), P(Power), P (Performance) values are applied to your vehicle for 4 turns.You would place 4 Wheel of Power tokens on the vehicle and remove oneper turn. When all tokens are removed, the mod must be unequipped.

Shift cards may or may not require AP points to bring into play. Shiftcards may be thought of as a driver advantage, i.e. something a driverdoes with their vehicle to get them ahead in the race. Shift cards areput into play vertically and placed on any vehicle. Their S, P, P valuesare added to the vehicle they are played on. Terrain modifiers ifdepicted, are also “added” to the vehicles' abilities. Shifts do notstay equipped from realm to realm. Once a vehicle teleports to the nextracing realm, “equipped” shift cards are removed to the discard pile.

Accele-chargers cards may or may not require AP's to bring in to play.These cards represent the power gained from winning previous races. Theyare left as rewards from the Accelerons. Accele-chargers cards are putinto play vertically and placed on any vehicle. Their super S, P, Pvalues are added to the vehicle they are played on. Terrain modifiers ifdepicted, are also “added” to the vehicles abilities. Accele-chargerscards do not stay equipped from realm to realm. Once a vehicle teleportsto the next racing realm, “equipped” Accele-chargers cards are removedto the discard pile.

Hazards may or may not require AP's to bring in to play. They aretypically used to thwart the advance of the other players through theracing realms. When a hazard is played, reading the copy for the actionis important. Action to be taken may be as simple as comparing itsnegative values against the type of card it is attacking. For example:If the hazard card effects a mod and has −2 in its power value, and themod has −2 in its power value or less, the other player must remove theattacked mod. The exception is if the other player has a 0 point shiftcard that can counter the hazard played. Powerful hazards may cause anentire vehicle with attached mods to be removed from play.

Exemplary cards that may be used to form play decks, along with otherelements of the example card game, are listed and described in FIG. 11.

While the above description and the description in FIG. 11 may describespecific rules, various alternative embodiments may be used where one ormore rules is changed. For example, in an alternative approach, avehicle may have more than one Accele-charger equipped on it at a time,or Accele-chargers may be removed by hazard cards, or there may morethan 2 ways to win the race, or more than two plays may be allowed toplay, if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment card 1200 isdescribed. In one example, card 1200 is one of a plurality of cards thatis a part of a card game, and may be used in a card game. However, insome embodiments, card 1200 may be a trading card, a collectable card,an informational card, etc.

In one embodiment, card 1200 includes one or more of various values,symbols, clues, codes, or features, or combinations thereof, such as inone or more of boxes 1210, 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218, 1220, 1222, and 1224,or combinations thereof. The information in these boxes may be relevantto the card game or trading value, and may be related to a vehicledepicted on the card 1200. Further, the information in these boxes maybe related to a toy, such as a toy vehicle, sold with the card.

In addition to the vehicles described above, other types of vehicles maybe provided which may be inter-related to the above items. For example,referring now to FIG. 13A, a carrier 1310 is described that isconfigured to receive a smaller vehicle 1320 (such as vehicle 100 or 100a) in a recess 1330. Further, carrier 1310 may be configured tointerface with a track, as described in more detail below. In oneexample, a track and the carrier are each sized to cooperate so a carcan travel from the track to the carrier vehicle.

While this example shows carrier 1310 as a vehicle having 4 wheels, itmay be a stationary object, a toy gun, a landing pad, or an alternativevehicle, such as a truck, a car, a sports car, a station wagon, a sportutility vehicle, a dune buggy, a motorcycle, a unicycle, an 18-wheeler,a dump truck, earthmoving equipment, bicycles, tricycles, a rocket, aspaceship, a fantasy vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle.

In one example, recess 1330 is configured to be positionable at an endof a racetrack so that vehicle 1320 may be able to travel from the trackto, and held in, recess 1330. Also, recess 1330 may include a connectionmember, such as clip 1332 to removeably couple vehicle 1320 to carrier1310. Other connection members may be used, or no connection member maybe used.

In some embodiments, carrier 13 10 may have an activation switch (notshown), which may be coupled to recess 1330, that is engaged whenvehicle 1320 is properly located in recess 1330. The switch can enablevarious functions performed by carrier 1310, such as automatic movement,enablement of a trigger, combinations thereof, or others.

In one example, vehicle 1320 may include various ones of the featuresdescribed above, such as translucent or transparent wheel aspects, acode (such as a laser etched code), or be sold with one or more cards.Alternatively, carrier 1310 may include various ones of the featuresdescribed above, such as translucent or transparent wheel aspects, acode (such as a laser etched code), or be sold, with one or more cards.

In another example, carrier 1310 may be a vehicle that corresponds to acharacter on a television show, website, game, etc. For example, carrier1310 may correspond to a character that modifies the functionality of avehicle is a racing game or show, or mod in the card game discussedabove.

Referring now to FIG. 13B, an example carrier 1350 for use with asmaller vehicle 1352 is shown. In one example carrier 1350 may have abody configured to be coupled to a track 1354. For example, in oneexample track 1354 may lead a vehicle (such as 1352) to carrier 1350 andterminate adjacent to carrier 1350. For example, carrier 1350 may be ata beginning or end of a track segment. In another example, carrier 1350may be configured to move along track 1354, as shown in FIG. 13B. Instill another-example, carrier 1350 may be operatively coupled to atrack. For example, the wheels and/or body of carrier 1350 may beconfigured so that carrier 1350 may move atop and along track 1354, byhaving a recessed bottom area that is configured to enable carrier 1350to remain coupled to the ground while moving along track 1354.Alternatively, carrier 1350 may be configured to be removably coupled totrack 1354 (e.g., by internal wheels or clips). In this way, in the casewhere carrier 1350 can collect and disperse items (such as vehicle1352), carrier 1350 may collect and/or disperse items (such as vehicle1352) from and/or onto track 1354. These features, alone or incombination may increase play and excitement for users of a vehicletrack set, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 14A, a cut-away view of an example internalmechanism of carrier 1350 is shown having a collection and/or releasedevice 1402. Specifically, an inner cylinder 1410 has a plurality ofpaddles 1412 extending radially from cylinder 1410, where the paddlesmay be rubber. While this figure shows 12 rubber paddles, more or lessmay be used. For example, in one example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,13, 14, 15, or 16 paddles may be used, depending on the size and/orweight of the item being collected and/or dispersed, or other factors.Also, while Figure shows paddle 1412 being substantially rectangular, inan alternative example paddle 1412 may be triangular shapes, trapezoidalshaped, curved, and/or combinations thereof. The thickness of thepaddles may be varied, and in one example, may be varied to vary thepliability of the paddles and thereby adjust their performance. In oneexample, the surface of the paddles may be smooth, while in anotherexample raised sections may be used to increase friction between thepaddles and an item to be collected/dispersed. Also some paddles mayhave a first feature or shape, while other paddles have a differentfeature or shape. Further, some of the paddles (e.g., a first paddle)may be of different size (e.g., shorter, narrower, thinner) than otherpaddles (e.g., a second paddle).

While this example shows paddles comprising rubber, various othermaterials may be used in the alternative of, or in addition to, rubber.For example, plastics or metals may be used, or plastic covered foam maybe used.

Also, in one example, additional inertia, such as in the form of a metaldisk mounted to one side of the paddles (e.g., so as to avoid contactingan item during collection and/or dispersion) may be used. Alternatively,additional inertia may be placed in cylinder 1410, if desired.

Continuing with FIG. 14A, in this example mechanism 1402 may be poweredby motion of carrier 1350. Specifically, either or both of wheels 1420may be coupled to device 1402, directly or through a gear mechanism1422, to rotate cylinder and paddles 1410 and 1412 via rotation of thewheel(s).

For example, when a user pushes carrier 1350 along a surface, motion maybe transferred to rotate paddles 1412 in one direction, or another, sothat a vehicle 1352 positioned along the path (which may be a track1354) may be collected (following arrows 1430 and 1432 of FIG. 14A) andmoved to the position of vehicle 1440 along an internal track 1442. Inone example, internal track 1442 may be configured to rest on track1354, or the surface on which carrier 1350 is positioned. Alternatively,internal track 1442 may be configured to be operatively connected withan end of track 1354.

Internal track 1442 may also include a separator to separate collectedvehicles along one or more paths. The separator may be a separate platethat alternates between alternative positions to direct collectedvehicles along a specified path to a specified location. In anotherexample, the separator may be a magnet that attracts metal components ofcollected vehicles along a specified path to a specified location.Further still, the separator may be angled track section that allowcollected vehicles to move along one, path or another with a somewhatrandom pattern, depending on how the vehicle was collected, itscollection speed, its weight, and/or various other factors.

In addition to collection action, opposite action can also be performed.For example, a user may push carrier 1350 along a surface creatingmotion which may cause a vehicle stored in carrier 1350 (e.g., a vehiclein a position of vehicle 1440) to be dispersed or released (following adirection opposite to 1430 and 1432). For example, carrier 1350 may befree-wheeling, in one example.

In one example, when carrier 1350 is moved in a first direction, paddle1412 rotates in a first direction, and when carrier 1350 is moved in asecond direction, paddle 1412 rotates in a second direction. Forexample, when carrier 1350 moves forward, an item in its path may becollected, and when carrier 1350 moves backward, an item stored incarrier 1350 may be dispersed. Alternatively, when carrier 1350 movesbackward, an item in its path may be collected, and when carrier 1350moves forward, an item stored in carrier 1350 may be dispersed.

While FIG. 14A shows mechanically driven paddles, electric power may beused, such as via an electric motor and a battery coupled to carrier1350. However, in some cases, due to the paddle wheel nature of thecollection/release device 1402, battery life may be decreased since asignificant amount of air may be pumped by the paddle wheel.

Referring now to FIG. 14B, an alternative paddle wheel that may be usedin a carrier, such as carrier 1350, is shown. The figure shows analternative collection and/or release device 1450. Specifically, aninner cylinder 1460 has a plurality of paddles 1462 extending radiallyfrom cylinder 1460, where the paddles may be rubber, plastic, foam, orcombinations thereof. While this figure shows 10 rubber paddles, more orless may be used. For example, in one example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 paddles may be used, depending on the sizeand/or weight of the item being collected and/or dispersed, or otherfactors. Also, Figure shows paddle 1462 being substantially rectangular,with a tapered outer section. The paddles 1462 are also shown havingraised features, such as hexagons 1464, which may be on both sides ofthe paddles, or only one side of the paddles. In one example, three rowsof raised features may be used. The thickness of the paddles may vary,although in the example shown in FIG. 14B, the paddles are ofsubstantially uniform thickness. Further, while FIG. 14B shows thepaddles evenly spaced about the cylinder 1460, in an alternativeembodiment they may be unevenly spaced.

Also, as noted above, an optional metal inertia cylinder may be used toincrease the inertial of the collection device. In one example, themetal inertia may be located on cylinder 1460, which may be a hollowshaft.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a cut-away view of another example internalmechanism of carrier 1350 is shown having a collection and/or releasedevice 1502. Specifically, an inner cylinder 1510 has a plurality ofcylindrical extensions 1512 extending from said cylinder, 1512 extendingradially from cylinder 1510. Cylinder 1510 may be plastic or metal, forexample. While this figure shows 3 cylindrical and parallel extensions,more or less may be used. For example, in one example, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 13, 14, 15, or 16 cylindrical radial extensions may be used,depending on the size and/or weight of the item being collected and/ordispersed, or on other factors. Also, while the figure shows extensions1512 being substantially cylindrical, parallel, and circular, in analternative example the outer radius of an extension may be varied toform various alternative shapes. Further, the radial height of theextensions may be varied. As shown in FIG. 15, the inner radialextension may be shorter than one or both of an outer radial extension.Alternatively, some of the extensions (e.g., a first extension) may beof different size (e.g., narrower, thinner, more pliable) than otherextensions (e.g., a second extension). Thus, some extensions may have afirst feature or shape, while other extensions have a different featureor shape.

While this example shows extensions comprising rubber, various othermaterials may be used in the alternative of, or in addition to, rubber.For example, plastics or metals may be used. Alternatively, foam coveredplastic disks may be used to form one, or more of the extensions. Inthis way, less foam wear may be obtained than compared with a singlecylinder of foam.

Also, in one example, additional inertia, such as in the form of a metaldisk mounted to one side of the disks discussed above (e.g., so as toavoid contacting an item during collection and/or dispersion) may beused. Alternatively, additional inertia may be placed in cylinder 1510,if desired, or in any other location so as to be coupled to cylinder1510 (for example, it may be mounted to any of the gears). In this way,rotational speed may be maintained to a better degree when encounteringa vehicle to collect or disperse.

In another example, the disks used in the Cyborg City launching devicemay be used, including the foam disks and the metal inertia disk.

Continuing with FIG. 15, in this example (similar to FIG. 14A) mechanism1502 may be powered by motion of carrier 1350. Specifically, either orboth of wheels 1520 may be coupled to device 1502, directly or through agear mechanism 1522, to rotate cylinder and extensions 1510 and 1512 viarotation of the wheel(s).

Alternatively, cylinder and extensions 1510 and 1512 may be rotated viaa motor 1530, directly or through a gear mechanism 1522. The motor maybe powered by a batter stored in carrier 1350, for example. The motor1530 may be engaged by an actuation switch (see FIG. 16, for example) torotate in a first direction to collect items, or in a second directionto expel items. The activation switch can be actuated by a user, orengaged automatically by a vehicle (such as vehicle 1352) approaching(or being approached) by carrier 1350 to cause rotation at a first speedin a direction to collect a vehicle (such as vehicle 1352) following thedirection of arrows 1560 and 1562. Alternatively, an activation switchmay be engaged automatically by a vehicle (such as vehicle 1540) beingplaced loaded into carrier 1350 to cause rotation at a second speed in adirection opposite arrow 1560. In one example, the collection speed maybe slower than the dispersion speed. In this way, features of potentialactuation sources (such as an electric motor) may be utilized, wherebylower speed, higher torques are available to collect items, and higherspeed, lower torques are available to disperse vehicles. In this way, itmay be possible to collect larger and/or heavier items, while also beingable to disperse items at sufficient speed to create fun play.

Also, a separator may also be used in this embodiment similar to thatdescribed above.

In an alternative embodiment, the collection device can have an innercylinder 1510 with a plurality of cylindrical extensions 1512 extendingfrom said cylinder as shown in FIG. 15A. Here, the cylindricalextensions 1512 extend radially from cylinder 1510, but have a roundedouter edge, where the extension edge slopes inward toward the cylinderon the inner side of the extension. In this way, it may be able tocenter an incoming our outgoing item to better grip and propel the item.While FIG. 15A shows two extensions, a third, shorter extension can beadded between them. The third extension can have a flat, or roundededge, if desired. Further, more or less extensions can also be used.

Referring now to FIG. 16, addition details of an example carrier aredescribed. Specifically, FIG. 16 shows carrier 1350 in an openedposition, where the body has two hinged sections 1610 and 1612 that foldopen to reveal internal tracks 1642 and/or 1642. In one example, track1642 is the track where collected items are sent, while track 1644 isthe track where items to be dispersed may be positioned. In this way, itmay be possible to collect and expel different vehicle without requiringthe user to physically reposition vehicles in carrier 1350. However, inan alternative example, a single internal track may be used, or morethan two tracks may be used.

When in the closed position, sections 1610 and 1612 may form a handlefor a user. Also, example actuation switch 1670 is shown that may beused to cause rotation of a collection/dispersion device, which may beoperated when in either the open or the closed position. FIG. 16 alsoshows wheel 1680 which may be configured to hold a vehicle, such asvehicle 1682 via wheel clips, or magnetically, for example.

Additional features may also be added to carrier 1350, such as a vehiclecrane 1690, a clear cylinder for rotating vehicles 16921, and others.For example, sounds and lights may also be added, along with additionalactivation switches that may be activated by a user, or automaticallyactuated.

As discussed above, the various disclosed items may be interrelated. Forexample, toy vehicles, toy tracks, codes, electronic media, games,cartoons, etc. may be theme-based, and thus, interrelated through atheme. For example, a website may be associated with one or more of thevarious items. The website or similar computer output may include anynumber of various games and/or informational pages linked with the toyvehicles, the toy tracks, etc. In some embodiments, codes, such asvehicle codes 150, may provide access to such interrelated items. Somecodes may be obtained by purchasing a toy vehicle and reading the codelocated on the vehicle, while other codes may be obtained from webpaged, cartoons, etc. The codes may provide access to one or more of thegames, activities and/or informational pages, and code obtained fromdifferent sources may provide different features. For example, codesfrom toy vehicles may provide a first type of access (e.g., to anon-line racing game, or to a virtual world related to the car from whichthe code was obtained), and codes from other sources may provide asecond type of access (e.g., codes from a T.V cartoon or web cartoon mayprovide access to higher levels, additional powers, etc.) Thus, sourcesof codes may comprise: products (such as toy vehicles, toy carriers, toyfigures, dolls, etc.), various online locations, such as one or morewebsites of different companies (such as toy companies, cartooncompanies, TV network companies, retail companies, and/or combinationsthereof), newsletters, e-mail newsletters, movies, fast foot restaurantkid meals, and/or combinations thereof

Additionally, and as described above, the codes may provide a user withaccess privileges to special sites, boards or levels, access to variouspowers or skill sets, access to previously unavailable information,access to new characters, access to historical or other factualinformation related to the vehicle from which the code was entered, etc.

As an example, various aspects of an exemplary website and inter-relatedelectronic games, informational pages, activities, and other computeroutput are described below. It should be appreciated that suchdescription is provided as an example and other games, informationalpages and the like may be provided without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure.

Initially, in some embodiments a computer program may be provided. Thecomputer program may be an online site or website. A user may be able toaccess the computer program via purchase, via an entrance address, suchas a web address, via input of one or more codes, etc. Thus, in someembodiments, a user may reproduce the code into an electronic interfacedevice, such as a computer or gaming device. Reproduction of the codeinto the computer program may result in a computer output based on thecode or based on a plurality of codes. The computer output may includevisual output, video clips, audio output, audio files, printouts, etc.

In some embodiments, an initializing step may be provided where the userinputs one or more codes into the program. In some embodiments, theprogram may request identifying data from the user after entry of thecode. The identifying data may include personal identification from auser such as name, address, age, education, and other statisticalpersonal data. The personal identification may be stored in the computerprogram becoming part of a database component and may be used toretrieve a prior computer output. The program may also allow a passwordto be created by the user where the user in subsequent games can storeprogress within the program.

In some embodiments, all codes may be accepted at a single entrycall-out, for example, there may be universal code entry. The universalcode entry may accept different types of codes, such as bonus contentcodes and/or game codes. In other embodiments, specific types of codesmay be required for entry into certain code call-outs. For example, agame call-out may accept game codes and a bonus-content code call-outmay accept bonus-content codes.

After entry of the code, the computer program may associate the enteredcode with a database of codes. Computer program may have a field ofavailable codes, which may include codes that are being inputted for afirst time. The availability field may identify codes which are validand operative. The database may also contain a field of unavailablecodes that are inoperative. For example, the codes may be inoperativedue to prior use.

The codes may be linked with associated computer output. For example, Ifthe computer game is a website, computer output may provide access to adifferent web page within the website. In some embodiments, the computeroutput may be associated with identifying data, such that progress ofthe user within the computer game may be tracked and stored. Forexample, these links are implemented through hypertext linking on theInternet.

An example application of the program includes various player games,such as racing games, scavenger hunts, search and find games, mazes,etc. For example, the games may be based on the concept of a scavengerhunt, where the player collects various objects or discovers objects tocomplete a series. Further, the games may be character-based onlinegames, arcade-style games, race games, customizable games, onlinepuzzlers or teasers, etc. The games may be single player games,multi-player games, head-on-head competition games, etc. The program maybe designed to extend and enhance the appeal and value of a particularset of toy vehicles while generating ongoing excitement about themanufacturer of the toy vehicles and any line of associated goods orservices. The site may provide personalized Internet game play as abonus for each purchase of a particular toy vehicle or otherinterrelated item.

In some applications, a user may be able to choose or be assigned apassword and choose a “personality” from a variety of fun characters.For example, a user may select a toy vehicle as their “character.” Allof this user information may be stored in a user database. As notedherein, selection of personalities may be linked to codes.

In an exemplary application, a visual map of the “world” may beprovided. A user may be able to see the map representing where he hasbeen and where he needs to go on his quest. All movement within the sitemay be recorded in a transaction database for the user and/ormanufacturer. Game play may be random for each user, thus users'experience on the site is unique unto themselves.

This theme provides a wide variety of graphical and situationalopportunities. The theme may be carried through all the game pages.

To add dramatic tension, the program may include villains or the like.In some programs, a user may be able to play the game with other playerslogged onto the website. Each player may compete against each other oraid each other in a quest.

For example, an online game play may be provided which may be presentedas an isometric racing game. For example, and not as a limitation, theracing game may enable various players to join a team which competesthrough various levels. The various levels may be available based oncodes, timing of release or play of the game, etc. In some embodiments,it may be possible to create and develop a personalized track for gameplay. Such personalized tracks may be stored locally. In someembodiments, mini games or pit stops may be available to improve avehicle's performance or to repair damage to the vehicle.

The vehicles for selection for game play may be vehicles featured inshows, such as movies, mini-episodes or products, such as toy products,etc. It may be possible to compete against other vehicles from movies,mini-episodes, toy products, etc. The various levels may correspond toenvironment and events presented in the shows.

Upon completion of various levels or other type of game performanceand/or entry of various codes, bonus features may be available. Forexample, bonus features may provide availability of new tracks,competition against ghost cars, access to special powers, access to newvehicles, etc. The special powers may provide enhanced abilities to thevehicles, including steering enhancements, acceleration enhancements,brake enhancements, shooting enhancements, different weaponavailability, jumping enhancements, shields, boosters, etc.Additionally, rewards may be provided for completion of various levelsof game performance or for code-entry, including music tracks, videos,wallpaper, take-away posters, print-outs, etc. Various features may beavailable during limited runs, or at different times.

In some embodiments, two or more websites may be linked together. Codesfrom the vehicles may be used in one or more of the websites to link tothe other websites bonus content or game play. In some embodiments, auser may be receiving the bonus content from the other websiteregardless of where the code was entered. Other embodiments may requirespecific codes to be entered in particular sites. In even otherembodiments, the codes may result in different features, bonus contentor game play, depending on where the code is entered into one or moresites.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an exemplary online collection and playactivity, designed such that participants may collect and customizevirtual vehicles, and enter their virtual vehicles in a variety of racesand other activities is described. For example, in one application,single-player activities may include arcade-style game scenarios inwhich a virtual vehicle may participate, and in which participants maybe rewarded for their performance, and also racing games in which-aparticipant races a virtual vehicle against a computer-controlledvehicle or against the clock. Multi-player activities may includemulti-player races of various types in which a participant may entertheir virtual vehicle and compete against other participants, possiblyin real time through a communications network.

An exemplary system is disclosed in U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/361,157 toKirby et. al, filed Oct. 22, 2003, the disclosure which is herebyincorporated for all purposes and which various parts are reproducedbelow.

Referring to FIG. 17, a system 1700 for playing an online game isdisclosed. System 1700 preferably comprises an off-server component1702, and a server 1704 that may be a web server. Off-server component1702 may include an actual toy vehicle 1706, as well as a new userregistration area 1708 and returning user registration area 1710.Participants may connect to server 1704 via a communications networksuch as the internet, although the invention may also provide a serverthat is connected only to a local intranet, or that resides on a'singleprocessor that is not connected to a network.

Those skilled in the relevant arts will recognize that there are manyconfigurations through which a game with an online component may be madeavailable to participants. For instance, registration areas 1708 and1710 may be installed on individual processors via a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM,other software storage media, and/or via download from the internet.Alternatively, system 1700 may comprise a web server 1704 which itselfincludes registration areas 1708 and 1710 in an integrated fashion. Or,the entire game may be stored and/or installed on a processor via anystorage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or any other medium suitablefor storing one or more application programs.

A user may register for the game and connect to server 1704 via eithernew user registration area 1708 or returning user registration area1710. New user registration 1708 for the online game typically includeschoosing a unique user name and password, whereas returning userregistration 1710 typically includes entering an existing user name andpassword. At this point, a new user may be assigned a virtual vehiclefor participation in the game, and a returning user may typically bere-associated with one or more virtual vehicles assigned and/or acquiredthrough previous participation in the game.

Registration for the online game may be correlated to the purchase of anactual toy vehicle 1706 or by viewing another inter-related item, inwhich case registrations 1708 and/or 1710 may include entering a codeprovided in or on the packaging of toy vehicle 1706 or from the otherinter-related item. Entering such a code may result in a user beingassigned a virtual vehicle that represents toy vehicle 1706 in variousaspects, or it may result in a user gaining new virtual parts or gamecredits that may be used to customize virtual vehicles, as will bedescribed in more detail below. New user registration 1708 may also beconfigured to install a desktop shortcut 1712 on a computer, providingquicker access to returning user registration area 1710 when the game isplayed on subsequent occasions.

Considering an overview of the game elements provided by server 1704 andstill referring to FIG. 17, system 1700 comprises customization tutorial1714, and the game may be configured so that new users initially entertutorial 1714 in order to practice customizing a virtual vehicle beforeentering the remainder of the online game system. From customizationtutorial 1714, a user may proceed to a town center 1716, which mayfunction as a primary hub for the logical architecture of the game.Returning users, who have presumably already passed throughcustomization tutorial 1714 at least once, may be directed straight fromregistration 1710 to town center 1716, without entering tutorial 1714.

Town center 1716 may be designed as a primary central location fromwhich many parts of the virtual game universe are directly accessible.From town center 1716, a user may navigate to racetrack entry 1718 inorder to race a virtual vehicle against either a computer-generatedopponent or against one or more virtual vehicles associated with otherusers. After passing through racetrack entry 1718, a user may navigateto virtual lobby area 1720, from which various races 1722 may be joined.Further details of these races will be discussed below.

Also from town center 1716, a user may navigate to a single-player gameentry 1724, from which a plurality of single-player games 1726 may bechosen, including both vehicle racing games and non-racing, arcade-stylegames.

From town center 1716, a user may also navigate to a custormizationactivity 1728. In customization activity 1728, a user may customize avirtual vehicle in exchange for virtual game credits. Specificcomponents of customization activity 1728 include the purchase of a newvirtual vehicle body 1730, the purchase and installation of paint anddecals 1732, and the purchase of virtual parts 1734. In addition, a usermay navigate to a parts installation area 1736, a parts sellback area1738, and an engine upgrade area 1740. The customization features of thegame will be described in greater detail below.

From town center 1716, a user may navigate to a records entry area 1742,where records related to the performance of various users and/orvehicles may be available. Area 1742 may include a race records area1744, providing the results of multi-vehicle competitions; a profilesearch area 1746, from which a user may search for records related toanother user; and a player profile area 1748, in which a user may updateor alter their own personal player profile, which may be accessible byother users.

Also from town center 1716, a user may navigate to hometown selectionentry 1750, from which they may proceed to select new hometown area1752, and to enter new hometown area 1754. Exemplary hometown featuresof system 1700 will be described in more detail below.

An alternate embodiment of the logical structure of town center isindicated in FIG. 18. In this embodiment, a user may navigate from towncenter 1816 to racetrack entry 1818, single-player game entry 1824,customization activity 1828, records entry 1842, and hometown selectionentry 1850, as in FIG. 1. However, customization tutorial 1814 may beaccessible from customization activity 1828, allowing a user to easilypass back and forth between customization activity 1828 andcustomization tutorial 1814, so that skill in customizing a virtualvehicle may be gained intermittently, while customization is underway.

An exemplary set of steps that may be part of race 1722 is shown in FIG.19. Components of race 1722 may include a pre-race activity 1956 inwhich a user may become familiar with a racetrack and may be given theopportunity to activate and/or deactivate certain virtual parts foroptimal performance for a particular forthcoming race. Next, a user maybe directed to a choose opponent area 1958, in which characteristics ofan opponent may be specified. These characteristics may include, forexample, whether an opponent vehicle is human-controlled or entirelycomputer-controlled, an opponent's racing skill and/or experience level,and the amount of virtual credits that have been invested in anopponent's virtual vehicle.

Once pre-race activities are complete and an opponent has been selected,a race may begin with a first heat 1960, and then may proceed to asecond heat 1962. In an exemplary embodiment, the race may continue to athird heat 1964 if the first two heats have resulted in a 1-1 tie, butmay continue to an end race area 1966 if the first two heats haveresulted in a 2-0 victory for one of the opponents. End race area 1966may include activities such as a detailed review of the race statistics,or it may simply show a summary of the race results. A rematch optionmay be provided after the race ends, such that choosing to have arematch leads to another first heat 1960, and choosing not to have arematch leads to race area 1922, from which other aspects of the gamemay be accessible.

As described above, the town center may serve as a navigational hub forthe online game. FIG. 20 shows an exemplary graphical representation oftown center 1716 including graphical icons to represent many of thefeatures previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. InFIG. 20, racetrack entry 1718 is represented by an icon resembling aracetrack, single-player game entry 1724 is represented by an iconresembling a video arcade game, customization activity 1728 isrepresented by an icon resembling an auto mechanic's shop, records entry1742 is represented by an icon resembling a blimp, and hometownselection entry 1750 is represented by an icon resembling a network ofroads and/or tunnels. FIG. 20 also shows a graphical representation of avirtual vehicle 2068, which may be a virtual racecar. Town center 1716may also include a video display unit 2070, which may displayinformation such as the current hometown and the hometown population; anocean cube 2072, providing a link to underwater games; and a scrap yard2074, which may be a location for the storage of damaged or destroyedvehicles and/or spare parts.

Considering in greater detail various customization features of theonline game, FIGS. 21-25 show graphical representations of customizationactivity 1728. Note that although FIGS. 21-25 represent aspects ofcustomization activity 1728, the features and descriptions representedtherein apply equally well to customization tutorial 1714, withexceptions that will be noted below. FIG. 21 shows customizationactivity 1728, with virtual vehicle 2068 resting on a rotatable platform2176. Platform 2176 is configured to rotate in response to a usercommand such as a mouse movement, a mouse click, or a keystroke, so thata user may examine vehicle 2068 from all angles during customization.For example, on the base of platform 2176, there may be a means, such asa graphical icon or rollover mechanism that will allow vehicle 2068 tobe rotated in a full circle one time.

Also shown in FIG. 21 is a display screen 2178, which may be located inan area either behind or to the side of vehicle 2068, so that screen2178 does not block other aspects of customization activity 1728. Screen2178 is configured to display information about various vehicle parts,indicated at 2180. Information displayed on screen 2178 may be for aparticular part, and may include a name; a price; a rarity; a power; anenergy usage; and a general description, all for that part. Screen 2178may be configured to display such information in “roll-over” fashionwhen the cursor is located on or near a corresponding vehicle part onthe screen, in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art of web pagedesign.

Vehicle parts 2180 may include virtual engine parts, wheels, brakes, andother conventional auto parts, as well as weapons, defensive shields,and performance enhancers of various types, some of which may have noreal world analog. Parts 2180 may also include paint, decals, and othercomponents designed to augment the appearance and/or performance ofvehicle 2068. Once selected, various parts may be installed in or on avirtual vehicle using robotic arm 2182, which is configured to hold oneof parts 2180 in its robotic jaws and then to install that part into avirtual vehicle. Upon selection of a type of part, preferably byclicking on a corresponding icon with a mouse, a sliding shelf 2184 willappear, holding specific and selectable individual parts. Selecting aspecific part from shelf 2184 results in the part being picked from theshelf by robotic arm 2182, in preparation for installation into vehicle2168.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show alternate views of customization activity 1728during the installation of one of parts 2180, including also inventorydisplay 2286. Inventory display 2286 may be configured to remain out ofsight unless activated by a user command or a cursor movement, forexample a motion of the mouse pointer over virtual vehicle 2068. Onceactivated, display 2286 may slide upwards or otherwise appear, until itmay completely intervene between a user's line of sight and vehicle2068. At this point, display 2286 may be configured to display an x-rayor other semi-transparent view of vehicle 2068, as is best seen in FIGS.22 and 23.

If a specific vehicle part 2180 has been selected, it may have beenautomatically procured by robotic arm 2182, as described previously. Inthat event, clicking on a particular area of the semi-transparentrepresentation of vehicle 2068, such as on the hood portion, will causethe selected part to be installed in the vehicle. Clicking on anotherarea of the semi-transparent representation of vehicle 2068, such as onthe trunk portion, will cause the selected part to be stored in thevehicle for possible future use.

In either case (installation or storage), the price of the part may besubtracted from the user's total amount of virtual game credits. If theuser is merely practicing vehicle customization through the use ofcustomization tutorial 1714, then the purchased part may be removed andthe virtual game credits will be restored to the user's account at theend of each operation, upon leaving tutorial 1714, or at anothersuitable time, so that the customization will be substantiallyreversible. However, if the user is customizing a virtual vehicle incustomization activity 1728, then the credits may not be restored andthe customization may be substantially irreversible.

On the other hand, if a specific vehicle part 2180 has not been selectedwhen inventory display 2286 is activated, then clicking on a particulararea of the semi-transparent representation of vehicle 2068, such as thehood portion, will cause an inventory of previously installed parts 2488to be displayed on inventory display 2286, as is indicated in FIG. 24.Similarly, clicking on another area of the semi-transparentrepresentation of vehicle 2068, such as on the trunk portion, may causean inventory of purchased and stored parts 2590 to be displayed oninventory display 2286, as is indicated in FIG. 25.

Addressing more particularly the subject of virtual game credits, uponfirst entering system 1700, or a specific portion thereof such ascustomization activity 1728 and/or customization tutorial 1714, a usermay receive an initial amount of virtual game credits. These gamecredits are provided for the purpose of customizing and/or upgradingvirtual vehicles, and possibly for purchasing new virtual vehicles andparts. In customization activity 1728, parts and/or other customizationfeatures are obtained by a user in return for a reduction in the amountof virtual game credits, and this reduction and the correspondingmodifications made to a virtual vehicle are substantially irreversible.In tutorial 1714, however, any reduction in the amount of virtual gamecredits provided will be reversed before a user leaves the tutorial,since a purpose of the tutorial is to allow reversible customization ofa virtual vehicle for practice purposes. In this way, a user maydetermine how to add paint, stickers, decals, car parts, weapons andother components to a virtual vehicle using trial-and-error, in asubstantially reversible way. Also, a user may determine exactly whichcombination of these various components they prefer to spend theirvirtual game credits on, as the amount initially provided is limited.

Increases in a user's amount of virtual game credits may occur as aresult of being declared a winner in a competition such as amulti-player race, and for participation and/or performance in varioussingle-player activities. The amount of virtual game credits availableto a user will determine their ability to further customize theirvirtual vehicles, to purchase and customize new virtual vehicles, andthus to advance in skill and experience within the virtual online gameprovided by system 1700.

Considering now more details regarding hometown selection entry area1750, recall that this area leads to hometown selection area 1752 andnew hometown entry area 1754. A graphical representation of anembodiment of hometown selection area 1752 is shown in FIG. 26. Thisselection area may include a display 2692 showing various informationabout a user such as a user name, current hometown, player rank,available game credits, and so forth, as well as a link back to towncenter 1716 and/or other areas of system 1700. This information may besimilar or identical in content to information available in playerprofile area 1748, which is reached through record entry area 1742. Inaddition, hometown selection area 1752 may include a graphicalrepresentation of a fork 2694 in a road, or other similar dividingpoint, indicating that choices are available as to a next hometowndestination.

Selection of a new hometown may result simply from clicking on a branchof fork 2694, or the various branches of fork 2694 may be labeled withnames or icons representing other hometowns (not indicated in thefigures). For example, a hometown selection window 2696 or other similarmeans is provided, possibly associated with a “roll-over” feature, tofacilitate selection of a new hometown. The selection of a hometown mayaugment participation in the online game as follows. In someembodiments, a user may compete in races against other users associatedwith the same hometown, and receive an individual performance rankingwithin their hometown as a result of the outcomes of these competitions.On the other hand, members of a given hometown may challenge members ofanother hometown to competitive races, the outcomes of which may be usedto determine a hometown performance ranking relative to other hometowns.In this manner, competition, teamwork and loyalty are all evoked withinthe context of an online game experience.

As described above, codes may be used to enhance the play appeal of thegames. As described above, the codes may be provided on vehicle cars orother inter-related items, including cartoons, books, movies, etc.Moreover, it should be appreciated that although the disclosuredescribes vehicle-related games and toys, the games, the codes, etc. maybe applied to, or be based, on other types of toys, including vehicles,dolls, etc.

Multiple features of interrelated items are described above. Each of theabove items may be provided as stand-alone methods, systems and/ordevices. In some embodiments, one or more of the methods, systems and/ordevice may be included within a theme-based game set. The disclosedtheme-based game set is provided for illustrative purposes and is notintended as a limitation.

In an exemplary theme-based game set, a plurality of vehicles areprovided. The vehicles may be configured and grouped such that multiplevehicles belong to the same team or group. The vehicles may includemarking indicia identifying the vehicles as part of the team or group.For example, in some embodiments, the vehicles may include translucentor transparent colored wheels which, in addition to the above describedfunctions, may identify a team or group of vehicles.

In some embodiments, the vehicle may be configured to enhance the playexperience. For example, the vehicle may have features that improvetrack performance of the vehicle, including a low center of gravity,specially configured low profile wheels, co-molded wheels, etc. Further,additional features may be provided which increase playability and/orcollectability of the cars, including high paint quality, low profilewheels, translucent and/or transparent wheels, etc.

Further, in some embodiments, the vehicles may include codes which maybe linked to inter-related items, including, but not limited to toys,toy vehicles, track sets, electronic games, interactive websites,cartoons, card games, magazines, books, puzzles, etc. In someembodiments, the codes may be laser-etched or otherwise applied to thevehicle body.

The codes may provide access to features within the inter-related items,such as access to games within a website or special informationregarding the cars. Similarly, any one of the interrelated items mayfurther provide codes for use to provide access to such features. Forexample, codes may be provided within an inter-related cartoon or ontrack sections.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the vehicles may be packagedwith an inter-related item, such as a card or plurality of cards. Thecards may be collectible cards or game cards. The package and/or thevehicle within the package may partially obscure the content of thecards.

In some embodiments, additional toys may be provided which may be usedwith the vehicles described above. For example, a carrier vehicle may beprovided which is configured to collect a vehicle or other toy from afirst direction and disperse the toy in a second direction. Otherinteractive toys may also be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 27, an improved method of displaying a logo on aproduct, such as a toy vehicle, is described. Specifically, a“pop-through” appearance may be used to highlight information (such as aproduct's logo, or other text or designs) so that the attention of apurchaser or user is directed to the information. For example, a cut-outlogo display may be provided on a toy or other object.

For example, a protrusion may be provided on a toy which may beconfigured to at least partially extend into a frame of the toy. Theframe may include an opening to receive a portion of the protrusion. Bypartially extending into the frame, the protrusion may appear topop-through the frame. The protrusion may be shaped as a logo. As usedherein, logo may include any name, indicia, marking, etc. For example,the logo may be used to identify the product or the productmanufacturer. In some embodiments, the logo may be a trademark.

Specifically, in this example, a bottom view of a toy vehicle 2710 isshown, which may be any of the vehicles described herein, or anothertype of vehicle. In this example, vehicle 2710 has four wheels 2714 anda bottom plate 2712. Bottom plate 2712 may be part of a chassis or otherundercarriage of the vehicle. Further, a hole or opening 2720 (which maybe considered to define a frame) may be provided in bottom plate 2712. Alogo section 2722 may extend though opening 2720. This is illustratedfurther in a cross-sectional view along line 2730.

Logo section or logo 2722 may be an extension from the body. Forexample, in some embodiments, logo section 2722 may extend from theinterior body section of the body. For example, in some embodiments, thelogo section may be molded with the body.

In one example, bottom plate 2712 is substantially flush with logosection 2722 as shown by the cross-sectional view. In another example,bottom plate 2712A may not be substantially flush with logo section2722A as shown by the alternative cross-sectional view. Thus, withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure, the logo section may besubstantially coplanar with the surface of the frame, may be below thesurface of the frame, or may extend above the surface of the frame.

As shown in FIG. 27, the shape of the opening is substantially relatedto the shape of the logo section 2722, and encircles the logo section.For example, the opening may substantially correspond to the shape ofthe log section. However, in an alternative embodiment, the shape of thelogo section may be dissimilar to the shape of the opening, even thoughthe opening may still encircle the logo section. In still anotheralternative embodiment, the opening may only partially encircle the logosection.

In one example, logo section 2722 includes a raised logo on logo section2722 (not shown), although it may be flat writing or a flat design.

In one example, logo section 2722 and bottom plate 2720 may be formed inseparate pieces, although in an alternative embodiment they may beformed of a single piece, or from separate pieces coupled together. Inone example, the coloring of logo section 2722 and bottom plate 2720 maybe different so that the logo is more easily seen. Further, logo section2722 and bottom plate 2720 may be formed of dissimilar materials tofurther highlight the logo. Also note that many different logos may beused, and the approach described herein is not limited to any onespecific logo. Further, one pop-through logo may be used, or several maybe used on a product. Further still, the logo may be in variouslocations, including the top, side, or other location of the product.

The combination of a frame and a protrusion as integrated into the toymay operate to make the logo on the toy more conspicuous to a viewer.Additionally, by using different materials between the frame and theprotrusion and/or using different colors for the frame and theprotrusion, the logo may be more prominent. The contrast between theframe and the protrusion by using the cut-out logo display describedabove may serve to highlight the logo (or other select indicia) anddirect the viewer's attention to such markings.

By integrating the logo into the toy, such as the toy vehicle exampledescribed above, the logo may be more resilient to alteration. Moreover,the logo may be more wear resistant, such that over time and use of thetoy, the logo may remain visible to a viewer.

The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel andnonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various systems andconfigurations, and other features, functions, and/or propertiesdisclosed herein.

The following claims particularly point out certain combinations andsubcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. These claims may referto “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Suchclaims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more suchelements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features,functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendmentof the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or arelated application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, ordifferent in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as includedwithin the subject matter of the present disclosure.

1. A toy, comprising: rotating means for collecting and dispersing anitem; power means coupled to said rotating means, said power meanspowering said rotating means at a first speed in a first direction tocollect said toy, and powering said rotating means at a second speed ina second direction to disperse said toy, said first speed different fromsaid second speed, and said first direction different from said seconddirection.
 2. The toy of claim 1 wherein said item is a scale vehicle 3.The toy of claim 2 wherein said scale is approximately 1/64.
 4. The toyof claim 2 wherein said scale is greater than approximately 1/120. 5.The toy of claim 1 further comprising gear means coupled between saidpower means and said rotating means, said gear means for transmittingtorque from said power means to said rotating means.
 6. The toy of claim1 wherein said rotation means comprises rubber.
 7. The toy of claim 1wherein said rotation means comprises foam.
 8. The toy of claim 1wherein said rotation means comprises paddles.
 9. The toy of claim 1wherein said rotation means comprises parallel disks.
 10. The toy ofclaim 1 wherein said rotation means comprises three parallel disks. 11.The toy of claim 1 further comprising a separator means for separatingitems collected by said rotating means.
 12. The toy of claim 1 whereinsaid first speed is slower than said second speed.
 13. The toy of claim8 wherein said rotating means includes at least one of a paddle wheeland a plurality of parallel disk extensions, said power means includesan electric motor, and said gear means includes at least one of aplanetary gear set, a rack and pinion gear set, a mesh gear set, afriction gear set, a tongue and groove gear set, a toothed wheel gearset, a speed reducing gear set, and a speed increasing gear set.
 14. Atoy, comprising: a cylinder configured to rotate about an axis, saidcylinder configured so that when the toy is placed in a first position,said axis of said cylinder is substantially parallel to a surface onwhich the toy vehicle can travel; an electric motor coupled through agear mechanism to said cylinder, where said motor is configured torotate said cylinder in a first direction to draw an item into the toyat a first speed, and to rotate said cylinder in a second directionopposite said first direction to expel said item at a second speedhigher than said first speed.
 15. The toy of claim 14 wherein said itemis smaller than, said toy.
 16. The toy of claim 14 wherein said motor isfurther configured to rotate at a third speed.
 17. The toy of claim 14wherein said toy is configured to couple to a track on which said itemtravels.
 18. A toy vehicle, comprising: a cylinder configured to rotateabout its circular axis, said cylinder configured so that when said toyis placed in a first position, said circular axis of said cylinder issubstantially parallel to a surface on which the toy vehicle can travel,said cylinder having a plurality of cylindrical extensions extendingfrom said cylinder.
 19. The toy of claim 18 wherein said extensionsinclude at least 2 rubber paddle wheels extending from said cylinder.20. The toy of claim 19 wherein said paddle wheels include a raisedtexture on said paddles.
 21. The toy of claim 20 wherein said cylinderis driven by rotation of at least a wheel of the toy that interface thetoy to said surface.
 22. The toy of claim 21 wherein said wheel isdriven by a user playing with the toy vehicle.
 23. The toy of claim 18wherein said extensions include at least 2 parallel disks extending fromsaid cylinder.
 24. The toy of claim 23 comprising at least threeparallel disk extensions.
 25. The toy of claim 23 wherein said cylinderis driven by an electrically actuated device.
 26. The toy of claim 25wherein said cylinder is driven in a first direction at a first speed,and a second direction at a second speed.
 27. A toy, comprising: acylinder configured to rotate about its circular axis, said cylinderconfigured so that when said toy is placed in a first position, saidcircular axis of said cylinder is substantially parallel to a surface onwhich the toy vehicle can travel, said cylinder having a plurality ofrubber paddles extending radially from said cylinder.
 28. The toy ofclaim 27 wherein said paddle wheels include a raised texture on saidpaddles.
 29. The toy of claim 28 wherein said cylinder is driven byrotation of at least a wheel of the toy that interface the toy to saidsurface.
 30. The toy of claim 29 wherein said wheel is driven by a userplaying with the toy vehicle without requiring battery power.
 31. Thetoy of claim 27 wherein said paddles are substantially trapezoidallyshaped.
 32. A first scale vehicle, comprising: rubber means forcollecting and expelling a second scale vehicle of smaller scale thanthe first scale vehicle.
 33. The vehicle of claim 32 wherein said rubbermeans comprise rubber fins extending from a cylinder.
 34. The vehicle ofclaim 32 wherein said rubber means comprise rubber paddles extendingfrom a cylinder.
 35. The vehicle of claim 32 wherein said rubber meanscomprise rubber disks extending from a cylinder.
 36. A toy, comprising:a body; a collection device configured to collect an item and retain thevehicle within the body; and a release device configured to release theitem from the body; wherein the toy is configured to be operativelycoupled to a track for the item.
 37. The toy of claim 36 wherein saiditem is a toy vehicle.
 38. The toy of claim 37 wherein said toy isconfigured to travel along said track.
 39. The toy of claim 37 whereinsaid toy is configured to receive said item while said item travelsalong said track.
 40. A first scale vehicle, comprising: parallelcylinder extension means for collecting and expelling a second scalevehicle of smaller scale than the first scale vehicle.